California Volleyball Teams Forfeit Matches Amid Transgender Athlete Controversy

A growing controversy surrounding a transgender athlete at Jurupa Valley High School has led to the forfeit of multiple girls’ high school volleyball matches in California. The situation intensifies as the debate over inclusion in sports continues, with implications for athletes and school policies across the state.

The conflict involves AB Hernandez, a transgender student who competes on the girls’ volleyball team. According to Mary Little, President of the Kern County Board of Education, the board recently amended regulations to align with Title IX, which aims to ensure equal opportunities in sports regardless of gender identity. This move counters the agenda of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who supports policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in accordance with their gender identity.

In recent developments, a statement from the Jurupa Valley High School volleyball team indicated that matches against Rim of the World High School on August 25 and Orange Vista High School on August 29 have been forfeited. Team coach Liana Manu communicated this decision to parents, expressing the disappointment felt by the athletes eager to compete.

Jurupa Valley’s official statement emphasized the district’s commitment to following California law, which protects students from discrimination based on gender identity. The statement noted, “As a public school district in California, JUSD is compelled to follow the law… This is consistent with the guidance provided by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.” The district is currently exploring opportunities to schedule additional matches for its players.

The situation first gained national attention when the girls’ volleyball team at Riverside Poly High School forfeited a match on August 15, citing the presence of Hernandez as the reason for their decision. Parents and school board members from Riverside Poly voiced their concerns, prompting additional scrutiny of the policies governing transgender participation in sports.

In a response to the criticism, Nereyda Hernandez, mother of the transgender athlete, expressed her understanding of the discomfort some individuals feel. In a statement, she emphasized the importance of empathy and education, saying, “I chose to learn, to grow, and to open my heart… believe me, I know some people genuinely don’t understand what it means to be transgender.”

The incident surrounding Hernandez is not isolated. Earlier this year, she gained attention during track and field events, winning two state titles in long jump and triple jump. These victories sparked protests from some female athletes and families who wore “Save Girls Sports” shirts in opposition to her participation. The situation drew the attention of former President Donald Trump, who criticized California’s policies regarding transgender athletes.

As the current volleyball season unfolds, Hernandez, now a senior, faces a challenging environment. The ongoing forfeits have elicited mixed reactions from parents and local community members. Some expressed support for the Riverside Poly players and their decision to forfeit, viewing it as a stance against what they perceive as unfair competition. Others, including Maria Carillo, voiced strong opposition to allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports, asserting that it undermines fairness.

The Jurupa Valley girls’ volleyball season is set to continue through mid-October, with the district and parents navigating the complexities of inclusion and competition. The increasing tension surrounding these issues highlights a broader national conversation about gender identity and sports participation, with significant implications for athletes and educational institutions.

As the situation develops, the debate over transgender athletes in sports is likely to remain a contentious issue, prompting further discussions about policy, inclusion, and the rights of all students involved.