Full Breakdown
CIF’s “Pilot” Policy Targets Trans Athlete A.B. Hernandez
5/20/2026, 1:43:05 AM
Pilot Policy Applied at 2026 Track Meets
CIF reinstated its 2025 “pilot” entry process for the 2026 girls’ track season, requiring any transgender female medalist to share the podium and award with the next-placed cis competitor. At the Southern Section finals on May 16, 17-year-old A.B. Hernandez won the long, high and triple jumps, but the rule forced second-place athletes to receive gold medals as well. The pilot, adopted in 2025, was applied at the May 16 Southern Section finals; the state championship is set for May 29-30. CIF later sent coaches a memo confirming the practice.
Legal Context & Key Actors
California law bars gender-identity discrimination in school athletics. CIF’s 2025 pilot seeks compliance while limiting trans athletes’ recognition. Governor Gavin Newsom sided with anti-trans commentator Charlie Kirk’s criticism. Former President Donald Trump posted that the governor called the policy “UNFAIR” and threatened federal funding cuts. Parent-activist groups Rainbow Families Action (RFA) and PFLAG have filed complaints, and Superintendent Tony Thurmond leads the state education department.
Official Responses & Opposition
Governor Newsom said he “totally agree[d]” with Kirk’s criticism of Hernandez’s participation. Trump’s Truth Social post claimed the governor called the policy “UNFAIR” and threatened to cut funding. CIF declined comment, citing litigation. RFA’s letter to Superintendent Thurmond warned policy violates California Education Code. Ari said anti-trans measures start with sports and extend to locker rooms and bathrooms, while Wynn called the situation a “hot potato” of responsibility.
Athlete Experience
Hernandez said she feels invisible, describing herself as a ghost that people walk right through. She initially stayed off the podium on May 16 but later accepted her medals after teammates high-fived her, noting her mother Nereyda’s support.
Conflicting Reports
CIF’s policy states that every trans-won medal must be shared, yet the New York Post reported only one shared podium at the May 16 meet. The memo given to coaches omits the word “transgender,” leaving unclear whether the rule applies beyond track and field or to other sports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But it’s like they can just walk right through you, as if you’re not there.” — A.B. Hernandez, trans athlete
- “The Governor, himself, said it is ‘UNFAIR,’” — Donald Trump, former President (Truth Social)
- “That sort of creates this ‘hot potato’ thing,” — Wynn, Bay Area mother of a trans athlete
- “Transgender girls are girls. Period. By allowing this to proceed, the California Department of Education (CDE) is telling young people that it is the official policy of the state of California that trans girls are not ‘real girls,’ and ratifying the hate campaign aimed at AB Hernandez.” — Rainbow Families Action (RFA) statement
What’s Next
RFA is urging the California Department of Education to enforce equal-rights statutes before the May 29-30 state championship. CIF faces pending litigation, and federal officials have signaled possible funding cuts if the policy continues.
