Controversy Erupts at California High School Over Transgender Athlete Participation
Students at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, California, are organizing weekly protests against school regulations following a significant uproar regarding a transgender athlete competing on the girls’ cross-country team.
Lawsuit Over Protests Against Transgender Inclusion
The controversy kicked off when two female athletes filed a lawsuit claiming that school officials banned them from sporting T-shirts that displayed slogans such as "Save Girls’ Sports" and “It’s common sense XX doesn’t equal XY.” They alleged that the school equated their messages to swastikas. This legal action points to their disapproval of a biological male athlete taking a varsity spot, which they argue should rightfully belong to a female competitor.
Voices of Concern Emerge
The situation gained further attention when Rylee Morrow, a member of the cross-country team, delivered a heartfelt speech at a recent school board meeting. She expressed her discomfort with sharing locker room facilities with a biological male athlete. In an interview with Fox News, Morrow criticized the administration’s handling of the matter, stating, "It was honestly disappointing in our staff at our school; that’s a mass genocide, and comparing such a very broad term to such a horrible time in history is quite disappointing."
Student Protests and Administrative Pushback
In reaction to the ongoing situation, students began wearing "Save Girls’ Sports" shirts as a form of protest. This led to the administration enforcing a strict dress code to prohibit the shirts. A now-deleted TikTok video captured students discussing the administration’s response, highlighting their frustrations and the consequences they faced for expressing their opinions.
Rising Support for Female Athletes
Sophia Lorey, outreach director for the California Family Council, reported to Fox News that more than 150 students had donned the protest shirts at school, with several spending considerable time in the principal’s office for non-compliance with the dress code. Lorey indicated that students are determined to maintain their weekly demonstrations.
"I’m deeply disappointed in the school administration for trampling on their First Amendment rights,” Lorey remarked. "Issuing dress code violations and equating ‘XX does not equal XY’ to wearing a swastika undermines the students’ stand for biological truths. Schools should champion free speech rather than punish those defending it. I anticipate more students joining the lawsuit, hoping justice will prevail."
First Amendment Rights at Stake
Lorey emphasized that the school’s disapproval of the message does not excuse a violation of students’ First Amendment rights. "Earlier this year, I successfully defended my First Amendment rights after facing backlash for stating, ‘Men do not belong in women’s sports,’ and I believe we will see similar outcomes here,” she added.
School District’s Response
In response to the unfolding situation, the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) issued a statement upholding the inclusion of transgender athletes, although they did not directly address the T-shirt controversy.
"While these rules were not created by RUSD, the District is committed to complying with the law and CIF regulations,” the district said. “California state law prohibits discrimination against students based on gender, gender identity, and gender expression, and specifically prohibits discrimination in physical education and athletics. The protections we provide to all students align with both legal standards and our core values, which emphasize equity and well-being.”
As the situation continues to develop, the discussions surrounding gender identity and athletes’ rights in school sports remain a focal point for students, parents, and the broader community.
