BUSD Board Navigates Title IX Resolution Debate in Tense Meeting

BISHOP, CA – The Bishop Unified School District (BUSD) Board of Trustees meeting on September 15, 2025, drew a packed Carl Lind Board Room, with lines forming outside, before the 6:30 p.m. start. The five-member board—President Dr. Claudia Moya-Tanner, Vice President Steve Elia (absent), Clerk Virginia Figueroa, Member Joshua Nicholson, and Member Karen Keehn—tackled agenda item 13.1: a proposal to agendize the Redlands USD Title IX Resolution supporting fairness in girls’ sports. Secretary Katherine Kolker facilitated as community passions flared.

Outside, political activist Frances Hunt handed out transgender rights flyers, while Pastor Eddie Davis distributed materials protecting girls’ sports. The crowd looks split, although it is nearly impossible to tell someone’s political stance just by looking at them. Public comment on item 13.1, limited to 20 minutes, was roughly 50/50. BUHS female athletes shared varied views: one cited injury fears from transgender competitors, another noted no discomfort with trans peers. Parents and grandparents voiced concerns over transgender athletes playing against their children, with some also citing injury fears and locker room violations. Some who spoke in favor of not advancing the resolution spoke about being inclusive, and some even mentioned stories about transgender family and friends.

The resolution, passed by Redlands USD in April 2025, urges biology-based eligibility in girls’ sports, aligning with federal Title IX rules, though it doesn’t change local policies directly. Nicholson championed it. When he had the chance to speak, he came to the defense, stating that the resolution is not divisive. He then cited injury cases involving transgender individuals and noted how California Governor Newsom even said it’s unfair, framing it as equity. Keehn shared a personal story about trans relatives, including one transitioning at age 5, arguing that hormone therapy negates advantages. Figueroa highlighted the City of Bishop’s inclusive values, while Elia’s statement (read aloud) opposed “political games” given the few transgender students. Moya-Tanner, emphasizing her duty to follow state laws and CIF rules, leaned toward preserving BUSD’s status quo. Superintendent Kolker, when asked for input, noted no major issues but raised concerns about legal risks. After conducting further research, I uncovered pending lawsuits specifically challenging Redlands-style resolutions. After sensing no majority support, Moya-Tanner ended the discussion without a vote, reinforcing her stance to maintain current policies.

The board then proceeded to address agenda items 13.2 through 13.5, approving School Plans, unaudited actuals, and material sufficiency resolutions. Once they were done, the meeting was adjourned. The next BUSD school board meeting will be next month
on October 16th, 2025, at Palisades Glacier High School. This debate reflects national tensions in a small district, leaving the issue open, but the community is engaged. For full details, be sure to check the BUSD Website for full School Board agenda items, minutes, and recordings. For comments, questions, or feedback, please contact me at [email protected]

By Tyler Beadle