California Girls' Sports Debate Rages On After Protest and Controversial Track Title

Activists and athletes clash over transgender participation as state faces Title IX investigations

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The conflict over biological males competing in girls' sports in California has reignited, with a large protest outside a state high school sports meeting and a controversial victory by a transgender athlete at a recent track and field event. The state has become a national epicenter of the issue, facing a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice over its transgender eligibility policies. Activists on both sides delivered emotional speeches, while state officials have largely avoided taking action to address the concerns of female athletes.

Why it matters

This ongoing debate highlights the deep divisions in California over transgender participation in girls' and women's sports. The state's policies have drawn national scrutiny, with the U.S. Department of Education launching investigations into potential Title IX violations. The controversy also raises questions about the role of state leadership in addressing this complex issue that has significant impacts on young female athletes.

The details

Dozens of female athletes and their families rallied outside a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) council meeting in Long Beach to protest the state's policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports. Local high school athletes spoke out about repeatedly losing to transgender competitors, while supporters argued that sports should be inclusive for all students. The day after the protest, a transgender athlete from Jurupa Valley High School won first place in the girls' triple jump at a state championship event. This victory sparked further outrage from activists across the country.

  • On April 1, 2026, the California state legislature blocked two bills that would have reversed the current law allowing transgender athletes in girls' sports.
  • On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education announced 19 new Title IX investigations, with Jurupa Unified School District in California at the top of the list.

The players

Sophia Lorey

California Family Council outreach director who said the protest was the largest rally yet on this issue.

Hadeel Hazameh

Former Jurupa Valley High School student athlete who had to graduate early after speaking out against a transgender teammate on her track and field and volleyball teams.

Celeste Duyst

Arroyo Grande High School student athlete who recalled an alleged experience of a biological male transgender athlete watching her and other girls change in the locker room.

Reese Hogan

Crean Lutheran High School student who went viral last spring for stepping onto the first place spot on a medal podium right after the transgender athlete who finished above her.

Gavin Newsom

California Governor who said he believes males competing in girls' sports is "deeply unfair" but has not taken action to address the situation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Martin Luther King did not march so these trans people, or whatever they are, can use our civil rights to push trans drugs on kids!”

— Tish Hyman, Singer and Los Angeles mayoral candidate (Fox News Digital)

“On May 4th, 2024, May 10th, 2025, May 17th, 2025, May 30th, 2025, and January 31st, 2026, I competed in meets where I lost to a male athlete competing in a girl's track and field. These are not isolated incidents, they are repeated moments where female athletes like were directly affected by policies that ignore reality”

— Reese Hogan, Crean Lutheran High School student (Fox News Digital)

“This is not about fairness. It's not about protecting girls. It's about making life harder for young people who are already being pushed to the margins. Transgender students are not trying to cheat or steal trophies. They just want to play with their friends.”

— Kristen Burzynski, ACLU of Southern California attorney (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the transgender athlete from Jurupa Valley High School to continue competing in girls' events.

The takeaway

This ongoing controversy in California highlights the deep divisions and competing values at play in the debate over transgender participation in girls' and women's sports. With the state facing Title IX investigations, the issue remains a flashpoint that will likely continue to generate heated debate and protests from both sides.