Disturbing claims have surfaced in a high-profile Supreme Court case about a transgender-identifying male student competing in girls’ sports in West Virginia.
Two female students and their families from Bridgeport High School have accused the student, at the center of West Virginia v. B.P.J., of sexual harassment and intimidation, as reported by Breitbart News.
Adaleia Cross, a former track and field teammate, shared her discomfort with comments allegedly made by the trans-identifying student in the girls’ locker room during their middle school years. Her mother, Abby Cross, detailed the severity of these remarks, claiming they were explicit and threatening.
Abby Cross recounted specific statements, alleging the student told Adaleia and others, “s— my d—,” among other graphic remarks. Such language, if true, paints a troubling picture of the environment these young girls faced while simply trying to participate in sports.
Adaleia’s parents, Abby and Holden Cross, reported these incidents to the school, yet they claim no action was taken to address the behavior. This lack of response reportedly led Adaleia to quit the team as a sophomore to avoid sharing a locker room with the student again.
The ACLU, representing the transgender student, has firmly denied these allegations, stating the school district investigated and found them unsubstantiated. Their statement emphasizes a commitment to a “safe and inclusive learning environment free from harassment and discrimination,” but offers little transparency on the investigation itself.
Another student, Emmy Salerno, has come forward with her own unsettling experience involving the same transgender athlete during the 2024 spring season. She described a shift in behavior after she and four other girls refused to compete against him in a shot put event on April 18, 2024.
Salerno alleges the student began staring her down at public events and even followed her at a local basketball game, creating a sense of fear. She questioned, “Is he gonna try to fight me?” reflecting the anxiety this behavior provoked.
Adding to her concerns, Salerno shared a screenshot of a Snapchat post allegedly from the student, featuring her photo with the caption, “Reminder that she has more testosterone than me.” Such a public jab, if accurate, suggests a deliberate attempt to mock or belittle her for standing her ground.
The families of both girls argue these incidents highlight deeper issues with policies allowing biological males to compete in female sports. They believe the lack of clear boundaries creates environments where discomfort and fear can overshadow the spirit of fair competition.
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), representing the Cross family and West Virginia in the Supreme Court case, underscored the impact on Adaleia, stating she “had to step away from the sport she loved entirely” to protect herself. Their argument hinges on the need for policies that prioritize the safety and dignity of all students, not just a select few.
Meanwhile, the ACLU’s silence on Salerno’s specific claims raises questions about whether all voices are being equally heard in this debate. Without detailed responses or documentation, as requested by Fox News Digital, skepticism lingers about the depth of any prior investigations.
As West Virginia v. B.P.J. heads to the Supreme Court on Jan. 13, the case extends beyond sports eligibility to fundamental questions of fairness and protection under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. These allegations of harassment and intimidation add a human layer to a legal battle often framed in abstract terms.
For many parents and students, the priority remains ensuring schools are safe spaces where no one feels threatened or forced to sacrifice their passions. If these accounts hold weight, they signal a failure to uphold that basic standard, regardless of where one stands on transgender participation in sports.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s ruling could set a precedent for how states navigate these complex issues, balancing individual rights with the collective well-being of young athletes. Until then, stories like those of Adaleia Cross and Emmy Salerno remind us that behind every policy debate are real kids grappling with real consequences.
