Jennifer Sey Discusses Controversy on Trans Athlete Wins in Girls’ Track

Jennifer Sey, founder and CEO of XX-XY Athletics, addresses the ongoing debate over a transgender high school athlete’s recent victories in California’s state track championships. She argues that allowing biological boys in girls’ sports undermines fair competition and urges legislative action on both national and state levels to support Title IX’s original intent.

A federal judge recently dismissed a major lawsuit by the Department of Justice against California, allowing biological males to continue competing in girls’ sports. U.S. District Judge Cynthia Valenzuela made her decision public, prompting an immediate response from the DOJ. The lawsuit, originally filed by Trump’s administration, aimed to enforce Title IX as protection for female athletes.

The California girls’ track and field competitors protested the inclusion of trans athletes at a postseason meet in Yorba Linda in May 2025. First-place winners AB Hernandez and Jillene Wetteland shared a moment before the medal ceremony during the state championships.

Judge Valenzuela did not address the biological fairness in her ruling, instead focusing on administrative funding concerns. She noted that the federal government failed to provide California prior notice before threatening to withdraw $44 billion in education funds. Despite the court’s decision, Justice Department officials are reviewing an appeal and remain committed to blocking biological males from competing in girls’ sports.

The ruling follows the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold states’ authority to ban trans athletes from girls’ sports, though it does not mandate such policies, leaving California’s current approach in place.

The debate intensifies as AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete from Jurupa Valley High School, continues to thrive in California sports. Hernandez achieved four state titles over two championship events, leading to duplicate medals for female competitors.

Concerns have extended beyond competitive fairness to physical safety. Hernandez’s participation in girls’ varsity volleyball led some rival schools to opt-out of matches, worried about the implications for their players.

As policies evolve, the controversy over Title IX and women’s sports persists. Some regions stand firm on defending women’s sports, whereas California continues to prioritize gender-inclusive mandates, often at the expense of traditional athletic principles.

Feedback requests can be sent to [email protected]. Follow on X: @alejandroaveela. Alejandro Avila is a writer residing in Southern California.