Students and advocates urged the Cabarrus County School Board to protect female-only bathrooms and locker rooms at Cox Mill High School. They cited discomfort from a male student identifying as female using those spaces. The board took no action following public comments.
Trista Ruck, a junior at Cox Mill High School, addressed the Cabarrus County School Board in December 2025, requesting a policy for female-only spaces. She described a male student on the football and basketball cheer teams who uses the women's locker rooms and restrooms. 'Many of my peers and I feel uncomfortable using facilities designed for women and women alone, as he has different reproductive parts than we do,' Ruck said to the board. Parents and students had raised concerns with school administrators and the athletic director but were ignored, Ruck added. The administration offered accommodations for female students instead of addressing the trans-identifying student, she said. One of Ruck's friends on a sports team reported seeing the male student watching girls change in the locker room, making her feel unsafe, according to Ruck. The principal dismissed the issue as 'too political to address, and that any action might be interpreted the wrong way.' Ruck noted she avoids restrooms when possible, though others face similar discomfort. Columbia University Irving Medical Center has linked repeated urine-holding to health issues like urinary tract infections and pelvic floor dysfunction. At an April 13, 2026, board meeting, Alexis Hughes, founder of advocacy group You Heard Her, criticized the lack of response. 'This is not about hate or judging any child... What you are responsible for is ensuring students are safe, that their privacy is protected,' Hughes said. She referenced Ruck's plea: 'She came to you all for help. You heard her. You did nothing. Shame.' Multiple speakers echoed calls for policies on safety, privacy, and respect. The board proceeded with regular business without addressing the comments.
