The inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports has become a contentious issue, highlighted during the recent presidential campaign and continuing to spark division. In the Bay Area, the debate has surfaced prominently at San Jose State University, where competitors have forfeited matches against the Spartans due to allegations that a member of their women’s volleyball team is transgender. This controversy extends beyond collegiate sports, affecting high school athletics as well.
A notable incident occurred at a girls’ volleyball tournament hosted by Aragon High School in San Mateo. Parents and fans of Notre Dame Belmont, a Catholic school, booed and harassed a transgender player on the opposing Half Moon Bay team. Notre Dame Belmont had also canceled a previous game against Half Moon Bay over concerns about the same player. Aragon’s athletic director, Steve Sell, has criticized these actions, emphasizing adherence to federal law Title IX and California Interscholastic Federation rules that support the participation of athletes according to their gender identity.
Steve Sell has voiced concerns about the impact of these disputes on transgender students, particularly regarding their mental health and sense of belonging. He acknowledges arguments about physical advantage and safety but stresses that many women’s teams regularly compete against men in practice without safety concerns. While Sell concedes that risks exist, he advocates for inclusion as the default, unless specific safety concerns arise, underscoring the importance of creating an environment where all students feel they can participate in sports.
The debate is not limited to one perspective. Stone Ridge Christian School in Merced forfeited a state playoff match against Waldorf High School due to the presence of a transgender player on the opposing team. Stone Ridge defended its decision, stating that their female athletes should compete only against other girls, framing it as a stand for their beliefs. This move reflects the broader culture war surrounding transgender inclusion in sports, with some schools and communities prioritizing traditional gender norms over inclusivity.
The California Interscholastic Federation and the Peninsula Athletic League are now deliberating potential sanctions against schools like Stone Ridge and Notre Dame Belmont for their actions, which may violate league rules. The outcome of these deliberations could set important precedents for how transgender athletes are treated in high school sports across the state, with potential implications for inclusivity, fairness, and the enforcement of anti-discrimination policies.
