A high school volleyball match in California was forfeited on Friday night, with the Riverside Poly High School team refusing to play Jurupa Valley High School, which reportedly has a biological male transgender athlete on its roster.
The school district confirmed the decision in a statement, announcing that the forfeited match would not impact league rankings. They expressed understanding for the disappointment felt by athletes, families, and supporters while emphasizing their commitment to a safe environment for all student-athletes.
The official reason for the match’s forfeiture wasn’t specified. However, parents of Riverside Poly players indicated to Fox News Digital that it was a protest concerning equity and safety in women’s sports, particularly due to the presence of Jurupa Valley’s athlete, Ab Hernandez.
“This isn’t about hatred; it’s about fairness,” stated Fred Brayton, whose daughter plays for Riverside Poly. He emphasized that while transgender people have rights, competing against the opposite sex in sports doesn’t align with those rights. He believes trans athletes should refrain from competing in women’s sports, advocating for a clear distinction between biological girls and boys.
Brayton noted that the decision to forfeit was made at the discretion of the Riverside Poly players. One anonymous mother from the junior varsity team shared that her daughter was presented the chance to move up and compete against Jurupa Valley but chose not to due to safety concerns and the belief that men should not participate in women’s sports. She praised the courage of the players and their families in making a public statement through the forfeiture.
Amanda Vickers, a board member of the Riverside Unified School District, remarked on the decision, indicating it stemmed from students’ desires and highlighting community sentiments during prior protests organized by students wearing “Save Girls Sports” shirts. She expressed that these actions are crucial for ensuring the safety of female athletes.
The Jurupa Unified School District issued its own statement about the match cancellation, noting that no explanation was given. Hernandez’s mother, Nereida, defended the inclusion of transgender athletes, citing California laws that allow participation based on gender identity and promoting respect and inclusion for all students.
This situation has sparked further debates in Riverside, a focal point of controversies surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports. Past incidents included lawsuits filed by female athletes claiming discrimination regarding spots on varsity teams. Community reactions involved students donning “Save Girls Sports” apparel and press coverage highlighting dissent toward the current policies.
Hernandez had previously garnered media attention for winning state championships, amidst protests from various groups critical of transgender athletes competing with biological females. The conflict has drawn responses from prominent figures, including former President Trump, who critiqued state policies on this matter.
As policy discussions continue, a recent poll indicated more than 70% of California parents disapprove of biological male trans athletes competing in women’s sports, suggesting strong community support for aligning sports participation with the sex assigned at birth.
The conversation around trans inclusion in sports is complex and ongoing, as communities grapple with balancing inclusion and fairness in athletics.
