California schools and families hurt by trans athlete participation denounce Newsom for enabling a crisis

'The Five' panelists examine California Gov. Gavin Newsom shocking Democrats with his stance on transgender athletes in women's sports.

California residents and schools have faced recurring instances of transgender athletes competing in girls sports over the last several months, prompting national scrutiny; disruption to academics, athletics and family life; and even lawsuits. 

On Thursday, some of those affected California residents watched Gov. Gavin Newsom admit on his new podcast that he believes transgender athletes competing in girls sports is "unfair" yet justify allowing it to happen. 

"It’s deeply unfair," Newsom said of transgender athletes competing with girls. "There's also a humility and a grace. … These poor people are more likely to commit suicide, have anxiety and depression. And the way that people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with as well.

"So, both things I can hold in my hand. How can we address this issue with the kind of decency that I think, you know, is inherent in you but not always expressed on the issue?"

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Fox News Digital reached out to schools and families affected by California's trans athlete inclusion policies over the last year for their thoughts on Newsom's recent comments. 

Stone Ridge Christian School in Merced, California, had its girls volleyball team forfeit a playoff game to San Francisco Waldorf in the fall due to the presence of a transgender athlete on Waldorf's team. It was a decision that ended Stone Ridge Christian's season because Newsom's policies forced the girls volleyball team into a situation where it would have to refuse to play to avoid compromising religious beliefs. 

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