The backpack of Beth Stelzer, founder of Save Women's Sports, who testified in favor of a bill banning transgender athletes from competing against women. Mjs Trans 14 Jpg Transa
Redlands, California – In a contentious 3-2 vote Tuesday night, the Redlands Unified School Board passed a motion barring transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports — making it the second district in San Bernardino County to adopt such a policy.
Board president Michelle Rendler, along with members Candy Olson and Jeanette Wilson, supported the measure. Olson drew criticism for her comments during the meeting, saying, “I am just so grateful that this insanity had not entered into society when I was growing up,” and adding, “If people think there is no difference between men and women, they are denying science.”
The decision sparked emotional reactions from parents and community members who packed the meeting. Some applauded the board for “protecting fairness” in girls’ sports, while others condemned the move as discriminatory and harmful to transgender youth.
“There are no transgender athletes in the district,” said Trisha Keeling of the local advocacy group Together for Redlands. “This is a manufactured problem rooted in fear and bigotry.”
The policy mirrors a similar resolution passed by the Chino Valley Unified School District, whose board president, Sonja Shaw, was in attendance to support Redlands’ vote. “It is not controversial, it is common sense,” Shaw said. “We are here to make common sense common again.”
A Public Policy Institute of California poll cited during the meeting showed a majority of state residents — including 71% of public school parents — oppose transgender girls competing in girls’ sports, a statistic supporters of the policy repeatedly referenced.
Despite the backing, opponents warned of legal and financial consequences. “This policy violates Title IX and state anti-discrimination laws,” said one attendee. A district spokesperson acknowledged the potential legal challenges, stating, “Any future actions resulting from this resolution will be carefully evaluated to ensure they comply with legal standards and respect the rights of all students.”
Critics also raised concerns about the board’s broader agenda, including a discussion about banning all flags except the American flag and changing book approval policies — a move seen by some as part of a wider push against LGBTQ+ visibility in schools.
