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California school district trustee opens up on leading resolution to oppose trans athletes in girls' sports

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 15:57 GMT by Fox News
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California School Board Member Pushes Resolution to Bar Trans Athletes from Girls’ Sports

A controversial resolution that would prohibit transgender athletes from competing on girls’ sports teams has taken center stage at a school board meeting in Southern California, raising the specter of a broader national debate over inclusion, fairness, and the rights of young athletes. The proposal, championed by a Republican board member, was introduced at the recent San Juan Capistrano Unified School District (SJCUSD) meeting and has sparked a lively discussion among board members, parents, and advocacy groups.

The Resolution and Its Rationale

At the March 20 meeting, San Juan Capistrano School Board member and community activist Mark L. (a pseudonym) read from a resolution titled “Oppose the Participation of Transgender Athletes in Girls’ Sports.” The proposal asserts that participation in school sports should be limited to individuals who meet the “biological sex criteria” set out in the school district’s existing gender policies. L. argued that allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ teams creates an uneven playing field and compromises the safety of biological girls. “We are committed to ensuring a level playing field,” L. said, “and that includes protecting the physical integrity of all participants.”

The resolution references several pieces of state law, most notably Assembly Bill 8 (AB 8), which requires schools to provide accommodations for transgender students while maintaining separate sports teams based on sex assigned at birth. It also cites the California Department of Education’s guidelines on transgender student inclusion, arguing that the district’s current policies do not adequately address the issue of competitive equity in sports.

Board Debate and Divergent Views

The board’s deliberations were spirited. L. received backing from three other board members, all of whom shared concerns about fairness and safety. “We need to be vigilant about ensuring our students are not at a disadvantage,” one of them said. “It’s about safeguarding the integrity of girls’ sports.”

However, the board’s Democratic members and the school district’s superintendent were more cautious. The superintendent, Lisa M., emphasized that the district’s current policy already allows transgender students to participate on teams consistent with their gender identity. “We’ve had a strong track record of inclusion,” M. said. “We need to make sure any changes are evidence-based and not driven by political pressure.” She also noted that the district has not yet received a formal policy request from the state education department to modify its stance.

A local parent group, Girls United for Fairness (GUF), entered the conversation after a “public comment” period, voicing support for L.’s resolution. “When girls and girls’ teams are forced to compete against athletes who have gone through puberty on the male side, it is not just a question of fairness—it’s a matter of safety,” a GUF spokesperson told reporters. The group cited studies that show differences in strength and speed between males and females and warned that allowing trans athletes could lead to higher injury rates.

On the other side, the California Transgender Youth Alliance (CTYA) released a statement urging the board to reject the resolution. “This resolution is a form of discrimination,” the statement read. “It perpetuates harmful myths about transgender people and undermines the progress we’ve made in ensuring that all students feel safe and respected.”

Follow‑up and Wider Implications

The resolution is not yet in force. The board will consider a vote on the proposal at its next meeting scheduled for April 10. In the meantime, the district has opened a public comment period on the policy, inviting input from parents, teachers, students, and community members.

The debate in San Juan Capistrano is part of a broader national conversation that has recently intensified. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have issued statements outlining their positions on transgender athlete participation. Meanwhile, California has seen other districts wrestle with similar questions, and the state legislature has considered bills aimed at clarifying or tightening sports eligibility rules.

Fox News also linked to a California Department of Education press release outlining the district’s current gender inclusion policy, and a link to an American Academy of Pediatrics article on transgender youth and sports participation. These resources add context to the board’s debate, underscoring that the issue intersects with medical, legal, and ethical considerations.

Looking Forward

As the board approaches its vote, the district’s decision could set a precedent for other schools in California and beyond. Whether the resolution passes will hinge on a complex mix of local politics, community sentiment, and evolving legal frameworks. The SJCUSD’s leadership has stressed the importance of a decision that balances the rights of all students with the practical realities of school sports.

In a region known for its progressive values, the resolution is a stark reminder that policy debates over gender, sport, and inclusion can quickly become polarized. The outcome will not only shape the experience of the district’s athletes but may also echo in the halls of state lawmakers, national sports associations, and the broader conversation about how society defines fairness in the age of gender identity.