California Candidate Faces Forum Dispute Over Campaign Shirt

Background of the Incident

A California women’s sports advocate, Shannon Kessler, found herself at the center of controversy during a school board candidate forum. Kessler, a Republican candidate for California’s 30th Assembly District and founder of Save Girls Sports Central Coast, was instructed to cover her shirt at a forum held on September 21. The shirt featured a ‘Save Girls Sports’ message and campaign information.

Violation of Forum Rules

The forum was organized by the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County and the American Association of University Women’s 5 Cities Pismo Beach Branch. It took place at Arroyo Grande High School. The forum’s host announced a violation, stating that no campaign slogans were allowed. Consequently, the audience was asked to leave, and the forum continued without them, featuring candidates addressing pre-submitted questions.

Kessler’s Perspective

Kessler argued that her shirt’s message was not tied to her campaign but rather her advocacy against transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports. She mentioned that other attendees wore campaign-related clothing but were not asked to cover them. Although she agreed to cover her shirt to prevent the forum’s cancellation, the session was eventually canceled.

Forum Rules and Enforcement

The published forum rules prohibited campaign-related materials in the forum room, although they were allowed outside in designated areas. Kessler stated that her companions were also instructed to cover their shirts, and police were threatened to be called for non-compliance. Arroyo Grande police records confirmed a disturbance call at the forum’s location.

Kessler’s Advocacy Efforts

Kessler has been active in advocating for restrictions based on biological sex at the Lucia Mar School District. Her organization, Save Girls Sports Central Coast, was established in March 2025, preceding her assembly campaign efforts. Despite her current campaign, Kessler plans to continue her advocacy.

Kessler remarked, “We’re not against any individuals. We’re against this state policy.”

The Lucia Mar School District clarified that the forum was organized independently, and they had no involvement in the planning or enforcement of rules during the event. The district allows the use of its facilities for such events but does not manage them directly.