AB Hernandez’s mother makes impassioned statement
Following the forfeit and Vickers’ remarks, parents filled a Riverside Unified School District board meeting on Thursday (August 21) to voice their thoughts.
Some defended their children for refusing to play, while others criticized the district’s stance on gender inclusion in sports. According to the New York Post, the meeting quickly became heated.
AB Hernandez has previously made national headlines
The Riverside Poly boycott isn’t the first time AB has been targeted. Earlier this year, during a track meet at Yorba Linda High School in May, she was heckled repeatedly by around 30 adults — including three school board members — according to Capital and Main.
The loud heckling reportedly disrupted the event and even caused a false start in one of the races, further highlighting the hostile environment she has been competing in.
Donald Trump sends reminder to California schools
President Donald Trump, 79, also waded into the debate. Posting on his Truth Social account, he made a direct reference to the California controversy.
On Thursday, he wrote: “Any California school district that doesn’t adhere to our Transgender policies, will not be funded. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Trump has been outspoken against transgender inclusion in sports. In July, he sued both the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), claiming their policy of allowing trans athletes to compete violates federal law.