California Superintendent Candidate Removed from Meeting Over Transgender Athlete Debate

California state superintendent candidate Sonja Shaw was removed from a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Council meeting on Thursday after an unscheduled address concerning transgender athlete participation in girls’ sports. Shaw, who also serves as president of the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education, was asked to leave the meeting in Long Beach, which officials deemed trespassing.

Video footage showed Shaw confronting council members, stating, "I’m here on the front lines to protect our girls and their sports." She expressed frustration that the issue of transgender athletes competing in girls' divisions had not been placed on the meeting's agenda, despite her repeated requests. Shaw argued that allowing biological males to compete against girls was occurring and that the CIF Southern Section had a responsibility to address it.

An official called for a recess, but Shaw continued speaking and challenged the council members' stance. As officials approached her, Shaw invited police to escort her out, asserting it was not right to deny her speaking time. She continued to challenge the council members as she was escorted out, noting that only one attendee appeared to stand in support of her position.

Shaw accused the CIF organization of ignoring pleas from female athletes seeking assistance and accused officials of downplaying her concerns. "We have girls right now reaching out to me asking for help, and you’re sitting here acting like I’m some crazy lunatic because I’m interrupting a meeting," she said before leaving the room.

The incident occurs amidst a broader dispute between California and the federal government regarding the state's policies on transgender athletes. California law permits students to participate in sex-segregated activities, including sports, consistent with their gender identity. The CIF's participation policy aligns with this state requirement.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued the California Department of Education and CIF in July 2025, alleging that these rules violate Title IX by denying female athletes equal opportunities. California officials maintain their policies comply with state law. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit on August 31, ruling that California did not have clear notice that excluding transgender athletes was a condition for receiving federal education funds. The Justice Department is considering an appeal.

The issue gained national attention following the participation of transgender athlete AB Hernandez in the girls’ division at the CIF state track and field championships. The CIF implemented a pilot process allowing an additional biological female athlete to advance and receive a medal in events with a transgender competitor, a measure critics argue does not resolve the core issue of fairness.

Protecting female athletes and parental rights have been central to Shaw's political platform. She is currently campaigning for state superintendent of public instruction in the upcoming November election. The CIF has not yet responded to requests for comment.