A California high school girls’ volleyball team has forfeited a match in what players and parents describe as a protest against a transgender athlete competing on the opposing team.
The Riverside Poly High School team was scheduled to play against Jurupa Valley High School on Friday night. Instead of taking the court, the team declined to participate, conceding the game.
According to a statement released by a parent, the decision to forfeit was made by the players themselves. The move was intended to be a silent protest for fairness and safety in female sports.
Players Cite Safety and Fairness Concerns
The protest centers on the participation of a transgender student-athlete from Jurupa Valley High School. Parents from the Riverside Poly team have voiced concerns over what they see as an unfair competitive advantage.
One parent, Amanda Vickers, stated that the team was protesting the fundamental issue of biological males competing against biological females.
This incident follows previous controversy in the district. Last year, a volleyball player from Martin Luther King High School reportedly sustained an injury after being struck in the face by a ball spiked by the same Jurupa Valley athlete.
Two female athletes from Martin Luther King High School subsequently filed a lawsuit. The suit argues that the Riverside Unified School District’s policy, which allows biological males to compete in girls’ sports, is discriminatory.
Broader Controversy and State Regulations
The situation has drawn national attention, with former President Donald Trump commenting on the forfeit on his Truth Social platform.
Under current California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) guidelines, students are permitted to participate in athletics consistent with their gender identity. This policy has been in place since 2014.
The Riverside Unified School District confirmed it is aware of the forfeit and is investigating the matter. The Jurupa Unified School District has not commented on the specific situation but affirmed its commitment to following CIF rules and promoting an inclusive environment.
Public opinion in California on this issue appears divided. A survey from the Public Policy Institute of California indicated that a majority of residents oppose allowing transgender student-athletes to compete on teams that do not align with their biological sex.
