Tensions ran high at a California school board meeting after parents clashed over transgender athlete AB Hernandez. The 17-year-old volleyball and track star has faced growing backlash, including a rival school forfeiting a match against her team.

Her mother, Nereyda Hernandez, fiercely defended her child. “My daughter is not the problem,” she told officials. She accused the board of failing in its duty to protect all students, adding, “When you tolerate harassment, you are failing morally.”

Supporters praised AB as a hardworking student and athlete, while critics argued against transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports. One parent said, “Poly girls, we stand with you,” highlighting how divided the community has become.

Despite the controversy, AB has achieved major success, helping Jurupa Valley High win championships and earning gold medals at state competitions. Her mother insists the issue is about dignity, not fairness. “My daughter deserves the same protections as every other child,” she said.

This debate raises a difficult question: should sports focus only on biology, or also on inclusion and compassion?