Controversy Erupts Over Save Girls Sports Advocate’s Shirt at California School Forum

A candidate for California’s 30th Assembly District found herself at the center of controversy during a school board candidate forum. Shannon Kessler, known for advocating women’s sports and establishing Save Girls Sports Central Coast, faced objections for wearing a shirt with her slogan and campaign information. This incident occurred at a forum for Lucia Mar Unified School District candidates on September 21.

The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, in collaboration with the American Association of University Women’s 5 Cities Pismo Beach Branch, hosted the event. Footage shows the host declaring a rule violation, leading to the forum’s termination. The issue was the presence of campaign slogans, which violated forum rules. Participants proceeded to answer pre-submitted questions on camera while the audience was cleared.

Kessler initially refused to cover her shirt, arguing that it represented her stance against transgender athletes in girls’ sports, a position she maintained was not directly linked to her Assembly campaign. She later consented to cover the campaign details on her shirt but was asked to conceal the front message as well.

The League’s rules prohibit campaign signs, banners, or political clothing inside the forum. Attendees can display campaign materials only in designated areas outside.

Upon further insistence from event organizers, Kessler agreed to cover the shirt with a borrowed jacket. A woman identified as a League leader labeled the message as anti-trans. Kessler contended this was viewpoint discrimination, infringing on her First Amendment rights. She also reported inconsistent enforcement of rules as other attendees wore politically themed attire without reprimand.

A police call registered as a disturbance at the venue, but organizers handled the situation internally, dismissing the audience instead of involving the officers.

The venue, Arroyo Grande High School, was rented through the Lucia Mar School District’s facilities use process. The district clarified it was neither a sponsor nor involved in the event’s planning. Questions regarding the forum’s conduct should be directed toward event organizers.

Despite this turmoil, Kessler remains steadfast in her advocacy, planning to continue addressing issues related to transgender participation in girls’ sports. Her organization was founded in March 2025, prior to launching her Assembly campaign. Her efforts include contesting against incumbent Democratic Assemblymember Dawn Addis.