This week, we witnessed yet another escalation in anti-trans rhetoric. A transgender student-athlete, who has done nothing but compete with integrity, has become the target of national scrutiny—and that scrutiny has been paired with threats from the highest levels of government that directly affect the youth in question.

This moment goes beyond sports. It reflects a concerning pattern of singling out a vulnerable community under the guise of protection. At a time when Americans are facing immediate, urgent challenges in their day-to-day lives, it is alarming to see national attention directed toward vilifying a small number of youth who are simply participating in sports as their authentic selves.

We believe in fairness. Fairness means supporting all youth—including trans youth. It means creating opportunities, not eliminating them. And it means ensuring that every student who works hard, shows up, and competes has a place to do so safely and proudly.

Now is a time to reaffirm values of equity and inclusion—not to waver in the face of political intimidation. As CIF continues its process of reviewing and revising its policies, we hope it continues to uphold values of fairness while standing against anti-trans hate. It’s important to remember who is impacted most by these decisions. Not those in positions of power, not people across the country who need government assistance and support, but youth who are simply trying to live, grow, and participate like their peers.

It’s also important to recognize that the attacks trans people are facing across the country—from healthcare to bathrooms to sports—are not isolated issues. They are part of a broader effort to push trans people out of public life. We reject that future.

To every trans young person watching this unfold: We see you. We hear you. You deserve better. No matter what policies shift, we will keep showing up. We will not turn our backs on you. And we will keep fighting for the future you deserve.