High School Volleyball Players Sue Transgender Teammate and District Over Title IX, Harassment Allegations

High School Volleyball Players Sue Trans Teammate and District Over Title IX, Harassment Claims
(Images: Include photo of AB Hernandez at a track meet; group photo of plaintiffs Hadeel Hazameh, Alyssa McPherson, and Madison McPherson.)

Three California high school volleyball players are suing their school district and a transgender teammate, alleging Title IX violations and sexual harassment. The federal lawsuit targets Jurupa Valley High School, the California Interscholastic Federation, and the state Department of Education, demanding policy changes to exclude transgender athletes from girls’ sports and locker rooms.

Plaintiffs Hadeel Hazameh and sisters Alyssa and Madison McPherson argue that allowing transgender athlete AB Hernandez, a senior, to compete on girls’ teams creates an “unfair and unsafe” environment. Hernandez, a standout volleyball player and state medalist in track and field, has faced scrutiny for over a year after winning girls’ high jump and triple jump competitions.

Claims of Harassment
The lawsuit accuses Hernandez of inappropriate physical contact, including “slapping and/or placing his hands on female players’ buttocks” during games and practices. The plaintiffs claim they felt “violated and objectified,” citing a team huddle photo where Hernandez’s arm rests on a teammate’s hip. Hernandez’s mother called the allegations “fabricated” and accused the plaintiffs of harassment.

Defendants Respond
Hernandez, who transitioned in middle school, denied posing a threat, telling CBS News, “I’m just a normal kid going to school, playing sports.” Her mother expressed gratitude toward teams that did not forfeit games against Jurupa Valley, calling the support “meaningful” amid the backlash.

Broader Implications
The case reignites debates over transgender inclusion in sports. Advocates for Faith & Freedom, representing the plaintiffs, stated: “No policy can erase biological differences.” Meanwhile, Hernandez’s track successes previously drew criticism from conservatives, including former President Donald Trump.

Three schools recently forfeited volleyball matches against Jurupa Valley, citing safety concerns. Hernandez lamented the impact on her team: “It’s a team effort. My team needs to be willing to fight with me.”

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and a ban on transgender athletes in girls’ sports. As debates over fairness and inclusion intensify, this case could set a precedent for similar disputes nationwide.

(Image: Protesters at a California track meet with signs reading "Save Women’s Sports")

Final Notes
While Hernandez’s supporters emphasize inclusion, plaintiffs argue for preserving competitive fairness. The outcome may reshape policies affecting transgender athletes in California and beyond. As legal battles escalate, schools and athletes await clarity on balancing equality and equity in sports.

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