Following public outcry over the inclusion of a transgender athlete, the California interscholastic federation ( CIF ) made a rule change this week that will allow more girls to compete in the upcoming state track and field championships, according to AP. The CIF announced in a speech on Tuesday that it would apply a “pilot entry process” to allow more “biological female” athletes to enter. The new law allows any athlete who missed the involuntary qualifying level but had the best effect in their area last to compete at the express levels. The CIF states that it believes the pilot access process provides the possibilities for student athletes to participate. The shift only affects the contest this weekend. The CIF did not specify how many players may be affected or whether the law only applies to events where a trans athlete has qualified for the last. This might be the first time a high school sports governing system in the US has expanded opposition in response to the membership of a transgender athlete. Following criticism from US President Trump over transgender athlete AB Hernandez’s involvement in women track and field, the change was made. Trump threatened on Tuesday to withdraw federal money from California if it didn’t forbid transgender students from competing in female ‘ sports. Trump wrote on Truth Social that” THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS.” At the state championships, Hernandez will engage in the ladies ‘ varsity triple jump, high leap, and long climb. At the Southern Section Division Finals on May 19, she placed sixth in the long climb and triple jump divisions and won the Tier 3 women long leap and triple climb. During postseason meetings, parents and conservative supporters who oppose transgender girls competing in girls ‘ sports have heckled and criticized Hernandez. Katie McGuinness, a student at La Canada High School, called on the CIF to amend its plan after losing to Hernandez in the longer leap at the regional last. Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, recently claimed on his radio that it is “deeply cruel” for transgender girls to play female ‘ activities. Legislators from Democratic state lawmakers in California blocked expenses last month that would have forbid transgender women from playing female ‘ activities.
