California’s largest school district bans trans athletes in girls’ sports, defying Newsom

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA: It looks like the Golden State isn’t shining so bright for Governor Gavin Newsom’s progressive politics anymore. The largest school district in California has officially flipped the script, banning transgender students from participating in girls’ sports. 

Kern High School District rejects California’s transgender sports policy

The Kern High School District, based in Bakersfield and serving more than 40,000 students across 31 schools, has become the 16th district in California to say “no thanks” to the state’s inclusive sports policy. The district has adopted a new Title IX resolution that flat-out rejects Sacramento’s stance on transgender athletes in school sports.

California’s government, led by Newsom, has long waved the pride flag for transgender rights in athletics. But even Newsom himself has wavered lately, publicly softening his tone on the issue just months ago.

Sonja Shaw, the outspoken president of the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education, penned the resolution that Kern has now adopted.

“I authored this resolution to be the voice of our communities — to stand with our girls and protect the truth that should’ve never been silenced,” Shaw told Fox News. “Boys are boys. Girls are girls. God made them beautiful just the way they are. It’s time to put fairness, truth, and common sense back into education.” 

Newsom sidesteps controversy as California districts reject trans athlete policy

Newsom responded to the classroom rebellion by passing the buck, with his office issuing a statement that neatly dodged any direct responsibility.

“CIF is an independent nonprofit that governs high school sports. The California Department of Education is a separate constitutional office. Neither is under the Governor’s authority," the statement read.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) oversees high school sports across the state.

“CIF and the CDE have stated they follow existing state law — a law that was passed in 2013 and signed by Governor Jerry Brown (not Newsom), and in line with 21 other states. For the law to change, the legislature would need to send the Governor a bill. They have not,” Newsom's office added.   

Newsom surprises with stance on trans athletes and fairness

Ironically, the governor had already signaled a change of heart back in March, when he surprised many by agreeing with the late conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk.

The two sat down for a rare conversation on Newsom’s new podcast, and Kirk didn’t waste any time cutting to the chase. “Would you say no men in female sports?” he asked the governor. 

To which Newsom replied, “Well, I think it’s an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness. It’s deeply unfair.” He went on to say he supported protecting women’s competition from unfair advantages but emphasized that “vulnerable communities” still deserved protection.

Trump slams Newsom for allowing ‘biological men’ in girls’ sports

President Donald Trump came out swinging in June, slamming Newsom for allowing “biological men” to dominate women’s sports.

“A Biological Male competed in California Girls State Finals, WINNING BIG, despite the fact that they were warned by me not to do so,” Trump fumed on Truth Social. “As Governor Gavin Newscum fully understands, large-scale fines will be imposed!!!”

The president’s fury was sparked by AB Hernandez, a 16-year-old biological male identifying as female, who made headlines after trouncing competitors at the CIF State Finals on May 30 and 31 at Buchanan High School in Clovis, near Fresno.

The Jurupa Valley teen has regularly dominated girls’ events and took home gold medals in both the high jump and triple jump.   

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