Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Justice Department Threatens California Over Trans Athlete’s State Track Victories

The threat follows AB Hernandez’s two gold medals, prompting the CIF to let displaced competitors share podium honors.

Image
MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA - MAY 24: Transgender athlete AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley wins the girls triple jump at 40-4 3/4 (12.31m) during the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet at Moorpark High School on May 24, 2025 in Moorpark, California. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA - MAY 24: Transgender athlete AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley ties for fourth in the girls high jump at 5-4 (1.63m) during the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet at Moorpark High School on May 24, 2025 in Moorpark, California. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Image

Overview

  • The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division sent a letter warning California public schools and the CIF that allowing Hernandez to compete violates the Equal Protection Clause and could result in hefty fines.
  • AB Hernandez, a 16-year-old transgender junior at Jurupa Valley High School, won gold in the girls’ high jump and triple jump and silver in the long jump at the state championships.
  • In response, the California Interscholastic Federation introduced a pilot entry process enabling female athletes displaced by Hernandez’s performance to qualify for finals and share medal placements.
  • Critics including disqualified runner Clara Adams and concerned parents have staged protests and launched a petition demanding the CIF prioritize fairness for cisgender competitors.
  • A Public Policy Institute of California survey found that 65% of adults and 71% of public school parents in the state oppose trans athletes assigned male at birth competing in women’s sports.