California trans athlete podium controversy ignites outrage among politicians, activists

Photos and video of the three podium ceremonies - one of which showed Hernandez and the top female finisher sharing the podium's top spot - went viral on social media, prompting backlash against the CIF among politicians including Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., and Rep. Nancy Mace, R-N.C.; and activists including Riley Gaines and Jennifer Sey.

Then in a recent letter to parents dated May 16, the CIF announced that program would be re-introduced starting for Saturday's events. 

"The CIF values all our student-athletes, and we will continue to uphold our mission in providing students the opportunity to belong, connect and compete, while competing with California law and education code," the letter wrote. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to the CIF for a response.

"The Governor has said discussions on this issue should be guided by fairness, dignity, and respect. He rejects the right wing's cynical attempt to weaponize this debate as an excuse to vilify individual kids. The Governor's position is simple: stand with all kids and stand up to bullies," the statement read.

"California is one of 22 states that have laws requiring students be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school sports consistent with their gender identity. California passed this law in 2013 (AB 1266) and it was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown."

Hernandez, now a Southern Section champion again, along with all the other winners will move on to the CIF preliminaries next Saturday to face the rest of the state's top female jumpers, with a chance to get back to the state finals.

The two-day state finals begin on May 29 in Clovis, California.