California residents and schools have encountered ongoing challenges regarding transgender athletes participating in girls’ sports in recent months, leading to national attention, disruptions in academics and athletics, and even legal actions. Recently, some affected residents listened as Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged on his new podcast that he considers the participation of transgender athletes in girls’ sports to be “unfair,” while still justifying the current policies. “It’s deeply unfair,” Newsom stated regarding transgender athletes competing with girls. “There’s also a humility and a grace. … These individuals are more likely to experience suicide, anxiety, and depression. The way society often speaks down to vulnerable communities is something I struggle with as well.” He expressed the need to address this issue with the decency that should be inherent in the conversation.
Fox News Digital reached out to schools and families impacted by California’s transgender athlete inclusion policies over the past year for their reactions to Newsom’s recent remarks. At Stone Ridge Christian School in Merced, California, the girls’ volleyball team forfeited a playoff game against San Francisco Waldorf due to the presence of a transgender athlete on the opposing team. This decision ended Stone Ridge Christian’s season, as the policies forced the team to choose between competing and adhering to their religious beliefs. “What’s really unfair is Gov. Newsom allowing males to compete in women’s sports despite acknowledging that it is unfair. It is common sense for men and women to compete on their own teams, and this is particularly concerning for a religious school,” stated Julie Fagundes, Campus Administrator at Stone Ridge Christian School.
At Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, California, a situation involving a transgender athlete on the girls’ cross-country team drew national scrutiny, resulting in a lawsuit from two girls on the team and disciplinary actions against several students who wore “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, expressed her belief that Newsom is “marginalizing” young biological females with his position. “I’m grateful that Gavin Newsom acknowledged that having boys in girls’ sports is unfair. I appreciate his empathy for all individuals, but that is not enough. What’s truly unfair is that he has the power to effect change on this issue but chooses not to. Words are insufficient; action is needed,” Slavin remarked. “By failing to take action or develop a plan, he is contributing to the division and tension in our state, adding to the stress and mental strain on those affected.