On Saturday, a protest organized by the California Family Council (CFC) took place outside Yorba Linda High School, just ahead of the CIF Southern Section Division 3 Track and Field Preliminary meet. The demonstration called on the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to bar transgender athletes from competing in girls' sports, with a specific focus on a transgender athlete entered in the girls' long jump, high jump, and triple jump events.
The athlete reportedly entered the meet with the top qualifying mark in all three events, intensifying debate over CIF's gender identity policy. Critics argue that the policy, which allows students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity, disadvantages female competitors and conflicts with federal Title IX protections for girls and women in athletics.
Speakers at the press conference included Sophia Lorey, a former CIF and collegiate athlete now serving as outreach director for CFC; Sonja Shaw, president of the Chino Valley Unified School District board and a Republican candidate for state superintendent; and several female athletes who were competing that day. Republican gubernatorial candidate and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco was scheduled to attend but was unable due to a shooting incident in Riverside County, according to Lorey.
Shaw didn't hold back, criticizing CIF leadership and calling Governor Gavin Newsom a "spineless coward." She said, "Our daughters are paying the price. This is insane. Our girls are suffering. They're unsafe every time they enter into a competition or any restroom. They are losing the opportunities that they have worked for their entire young lives for."
The controversy highlights a growing tension in California youth sports, where policies on transgender inclusion are being challenged by those who argue they undermine fairness and safety for female athletes. Lorey told The Center Square that CFC aims to provide resources to student athletes considering lawsuits against school districts over these policies.