The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has announced a new rule change for this weekend’s state track-and-field championships, allowing more biological female student-athletes to participate in the competition. The move comes amid controversy over the participation of a trans student-athlete, who was scheduled to compete in the girls’ events.
The CIF’s pilot program extends access to any “biological female” athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark for one of their Section’s automatic qualifying entries, but did not achieve the CIF State at-large mark. The change applies only to this weekend’s competition and does not specify whether it will be implemented nationwide.
President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw federal funding in California if the state did not bar trans students from participating in girls’ sports, citing concerns over competitive fairness. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the CIF’s move as a “thoughtful approach” that respects the rights of all student-athletes.
The change is part of a nationwide battle over the rights of transgender youth, with at least 24 states having laws barring trans women and girls from participating in certain sports competitions. A recent poll found that 7 in 10 U.S. adults believe that trans female athletes should not be allowed to participate in girls’ sports.
The CIF’s decision has sparked a mixed response from parents and conservative advocates, with some expressing support for the change and others criticizing it as “damage control.” However, many organizations, including Equality California, have praised the move as a step towards inclusivity and respect for all student-athletes.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/california-opens-track-field-finals-girls-success-trans-athlete-rcna209414