A 16-year-old transgender student-athlete from Riverside County has become the unexpected center of a growing political controversy after qualifying for the California state track finals, prompting former President Donald Trump to threaten cutting federal funding to California.
AB Hernandez, a junior at Jurupa Valley High School, qualified to compete in the girls’ long jump and triple jump at the upcoming California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Track and Field Championships. Hernandez, who identifies as transgender, is participating under California’s policies that allow student-athletes to compete based on their gender identity.
But what began as a student’s milestone achievement quickly turned into a political flashpoint when Trump condemned the decision, declaring it unfair to cisgender girls and threatening to withhold federal education funds from the state.
CIF Responds with Policy Change
In response to concerns raised by parents and national attention, the CIF introduced a temporary rule change. For events in which a transgender athlete qualifies, additional cisgender athletes will now be allowed to compete, ensuring that no one is excluded due to placement.
This move came after criticism that Hernandez’s inclusion could potentially displace other girls from competing, though CIF confirmed that no cisgender athlete had actually lost a spot.
The policy revision was backed by California officials. A spokesperson from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office praised the decision, calling it a “respectful solution that promotes fairness without excluding anyone.
Federal Investigation Underway
The case has now attracted attention at the federal level. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has opened a Title IX investigation into CIF and the Jurupa Unified School District. The investigation seeks to determine whether federal civil rights laws were violated by allowing Hernandez to compete.
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program receiving federal funding, including athletics.
While some advocacy groups argue that the inclusion aligns with both California law and evolving interpretations of Title IX, others have raised concerns over competitive fairness in female sports.
Trump Adds Fuel to the Fire
Speaking at a campaign-style rally, Trump stated that California’s policy “hurts real girls” and vowed to cut off federal education funding to any state that allows transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
Although Trump does not currently hold office, his remarks have added pressure to what was already a sensitive and legally complex issue. Critics say his threats overstep constitutional boundaries and infringe on state rights.
Meanwhile, California leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to inclusivity. The California Department of Education reiterated that the state’s laws are designed to protect all students, including those who are transgender, from discrimination in school-based activities.
Hernandez Speaks Out
Despite the national uproar, Hernandez has kept a low profile, choosing to focus on her athletic performance. She told reporters she simply wants to run and jump like every other competitor and emphasized that she hasn’t won every event.
“My goal is to do my best and enjoy the sport,” she said. “That’s what I’ve always focused on.”
A Bigger National Debate
This case has quickly become a symbol of the larger national debate over transgender inclusion in youth sports, especially in schools. As more states enact laws to ban transgender athletes from competing in accordance with their gender identity, California continues to defend its inclusive approach.
With CIF’s updated rule and a federal investigation underway, all eyes will now be on the state track championship—and how one student’s participation could shape future policies across the nation.
