California Interscholastic Federation defies Trump executive order banning men from women’s sport
President Trump signed the order on Wednesday, personally thanking the Leadership Institute’s Riley Gaines.
One opponent of the CIF’s decision said: ‘I am disgusted that CIF is disregarding yesterday's executive order and instead doubling down on policies that are not only unfair, but dangerous for young women across California.’
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) announced its intention to defy President Donald Trump’s executive order protecting women’s sports by banning male participation.
Trump signed the order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” on Wednesday, personally thanking Leadership Institute’s Riley Gaines, who was in attendance.
CIF, however, which oversees high school sports, announced that it will defy the executive order and comply instead with California law which allows men to compete against women, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
A CIF spokesperson told Campus Reform: “The CIF provides students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete in education-based experiences in compliance with California law [Education Code section 221.5. (f)] 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.”
[RELATED: 2024: 5 times men forced themselves into women’s sports]
The decision, however, has met with opposition.
California Family Council Outreach Director Sophia Lorey told Fox News Digital, for example: “I am disgusted that CIF is disregarding yesterday’s executive order and instead doubling down on policies that are not only unfair, but dangerous for young women across California. By prioritizing their idol of transgender ideology over the safety and rights of female athletes, they are knowingly exposing high school girls to unsafe competition and stripping them of opportunities guaranteed for them under Title IX.”
Sen. Tommy Tuberbville (R-Ala.) has introduced legislation before the executive order that would codify into law the ban on males in women’s sports.
The issue of men in women’s sports gained focused attention in 2024 when a six-foot-tall male player, Blaire Fleming, joined the women’s volleyball team of San Jose State University, where he consistently beat his female opponents.
His presence on the female team caused widespread outrage, and following the season, more than a third of the females on the team stepped down.
Campus Reform has reached out to the CIF for comment. This article will be updated accordingly.
