# California schools and families hurt by trans athlete participation denounce Newsom for enabling a crisis

## Schools in the state have dealt with incidents that have affected girls, families and employees over the last year

On Thursday, some of those affected California residents watched Gov.  on his new podcast that he believes transgender athletes competing in girls sports is "unfair" yet justify allowing it to happen.

"It’s deeply unfair," Newsom said of transgender athletes competing with girls. "There's also a humility and a grace. … These poor people are more likely to commit suicide, have anxiety and depression. And the way that people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with as well.

"So, both things I can hold in my hand. How can we address this issue with the kind of decency that I think, you know, is inherent in you but not always expressed on the issue?"



Fox News Digital reached out to schools and families affected by California's trans athlete inclusion policies over the last year for their thoughts on Newsom's recent comments.

Stone Ridge Christian School in Merced, California, had its girls volleyball team  to San Francisco Waldorf in the fall due to the presence of a transgender athlete on Waldorf's team. It was a decision that ended Stone Ridge Christian's season because Newsom's policies forced the girls volleyball team into a situation where it would have to refuse to play to avoid compromising religious beliefs.

"What’s really unfair is Gov. Newsom letting males in girls sports despite admitting that it is unfair. While it is common sense for men and women to compete on their own teams, this is especially concerning as a religious school," Stone Ridge Christian School Campus Administrator Julie Fagundes told Fox News Digital.

At Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, California,  involving a trans athlete on the girls' cross-country team prompted national scrutiny, a lawsuit by two girls on the team and several students being punished for wearing "Save Girls Sports" T-shirts in protest.

Cynthia Slavin, the mother of one of the girls who filed a lawsuit against the Riverside Unified School District, told Fox News Digital she believes Newsom is "marginalizing" young biological females with his stance.

**_TEEN GIRLS OPEN UP ON TRANS ATHLETE SCANDAL THAT TURNED THEIR HIGH SCHOOL INTO A CULTURE WAR BATTLEGROUND_**

"I’m thankful Gavin Newsom said having boys in girls sports is unfair. I’m thankful he too has empathy for all people, but that just is not enough. What’s truly unfair is that he has the power to do something about this issue but doesn't. Talk is cheap. Take action, do something," Slavin said.

"By him not taking action or trying to come up with a plan, he is adding to the division and tension in our state. He is adding to the stress and mental issues for not only the 'marginalized' group but for my daughter Kaitlyn and all the other girls who are not OK with biological boys invading their spaces. He is helping biological girls become the new marginalized group."

The neighboring Jurupa Unified School District (JUPD) has been dealing with a recent national controversy involving a trans track and field athlete at Jurupa Valley High School (JUVHS) who has dominated female opponents by staggering margins in the triple jump this season.

Jaspriya Singh, a former JUVHS athlete and sister to a current athlete on the girls cross-country team, laments the situation Newsom has allowed.



"My sister has trained tirelessly in track and field, dedicating countless hours to improving her performance. When she's forced to compete against biological males, it creates an unfair playing field that undermines her hard work and opportunities. Female athletes deserve to compete in a space that protects fairness and integrity," Singh told Fox News Digital.

"This isn't just about sports. It's about ensuring girls have the same chances to excel and achieve their dreams without an unfair disadvantage. That's why it's so important to fight for policies that keep women's sports truly for women."



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The state has so far refused to comply with President Donald Trump's executive order to keep biological males out of girls sports since it was signed Feb. 5, risking a potential loss of federal education funding.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for potential Title IX violations related to the issue.

"The CIF provides students with the opportunity to belong, connect and compete in education-based experiences in compliance with California law  which permits students to participate in school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, consistent with the student’s gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the student’s records," a CIF statement said at the time.

Fox News Digital reached out to the CIF for its reaction to Newsom’s latest comments.

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