A heated school board meeting in the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) became a battleground between parents concerned about the inclusion of a transgender athlete on the girls’ cross-country team and transgender activists supporting the athlete’s participation. The meeting was the culmination of weeks of tension stemming from students wearing “Save Girls’ Sports” T-shirts in protest, despite facing disciplinary actions like detention. The controversy reflects a broader national debate over transgender athletes’ participation in sports, specifically within the context of Title IX and California state law AB 1266, which mandates the inclusion of transgender students in activities aligned with their gender identity.
Inside the meeting, parents voicing opposition to the transgender athlete’s inclusion expressed fears of being “doxxed” for their views and criticized the board for prioritizing state law over Title IX. They argued that allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports creates an unfair playing field, citing textbooks that highlight the biological differences between males and females. One parent displayed the biology textbook used in the district, emphasizing the chromosomal differences (XX for females, XY for males) and questioning the school’s decision to punish students for wearing shirts that state this scientific fact. The parents challenged the board’s alleged comparison of the “Save Girls’ Sports” T-shirts to swastikas, a claim made in a recent lawsuit filed by two female cross-country runners.
Parents also criticized the board’s perceived leniency towards pro-transgender activists present at the meeting, accusing them of encouraging disruptive behavior and prioritizing self-esteem over preparing students for the realities of competition. They argued that enabling transgender athletes to switch sports for competitive advantage sets a bad precedent and fails to teach self-control. One parent, after warning children to leave the room, read sexually explicit excerpts from school-approved books to illustrate a perceived double standard, questioning why parents expressing concern are labeled as disruptive while potentially inappropriate material is accessible to students. Concerns about girls sharing locker rooms with biological males were also raised.
The atmosphere of the meeting was charged with emotion, with several parents directly calling for the superintendent’s resignation. A female student-athlete tearfully expressed her frustration, stating the biological reality that female athletes are at a disadvantage when competing against biological males. The meeting highlighted the emotional toll the controversy has taken on students and parents who feel their concerns are being dismissed.
Transgender activists and their supporters also voiced their opinions, thanking the board for upholding California law and protecting the transgender athlete’s right to compete. They emphasized the importance of inclusivity and argued for continued support of transgender students in all aspects of school life. One activist made the scientifically inaccurate claim that the XY chromosome is disappearing from the human gene pool, a statement met with cheers and the waving of LGBTQ+ pride flags. The meeting vividly demonstrated the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding this issue within the community.
The RUSD, in a statement to Fox News Digital, affirmed its obligation to comply with California state law AB 1266, which grants transgender students the right to participate in activities consistent with their gender identity. The district suggested that those opposed to the law direct their concerns to state and federal lawmakers, emphasizing that the school board is bound by existing legislation. The RUSD’s position highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding transgender rights in schools and the challenges faced by school districts navigating conflicting state and federal laws, as well as the differing opinions within their communities. The meeting underscored the urgent need for continued dialogue and policy solutions that address the concerns of all stakeholders while ensuring fair and inclusive athletic opportunities for all students.
