MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – Monroe Public Schools athletic director Chet Hesson is now on paid administrative leave following comments he made on a podcast about transgender athletes.
The controversy began when an alleged transgender girl from Ann Arbor played against Monroe’s girls’ volleyball team, prompting frustration among some parents.
One parent filed a Title IX complaint citing concerns over fairness and safety.
Sean Lechner, the parent who submitted the complaint, said, “It’s not fair. It’s not equal, and it’s not right.”
Lechner claims his daughter had to share a court and locker room with the alleged transgender student from Skyline.
“Any parent that allows that to happen or faculty, whether it be an AD from any school, they should be 100% held accountable like everyone else,” Lechner said.
Amid the controversy, Monroe Athletic Director Chet Hesson spoke on the Uncloseted podcast, expressing sympathy for the alleged transgender athlete, who remains unnamed.
“Not having parents and adults realize the impact that it’s having on somebody is very frustrating, disheartening, and it makes me feel really sick,” said Hesson
Following his comments, Hesson was placed on administrative leave.
Monroe High School emphasized that individual staff members’ personal opinions do not reflect the district’s official position.
At this time, the district stands by its original statement regarding the pending Title IX investigation.
It said it is committed to the process and will provide an official statement after the investigation is complete.
The Michigan High School Athletic Association said it is aware of the complaint but declined to comment further.
The association confirmed only one waiver was granted statewide for a transgender girl in a fall sport.
Lechner said, “My daughter and her teammates were put in a situation that no female athlete should ever be put in.”
Attempts to reach Hesson’s sister, who has been vocal on social media about the issue, resulted in no comment.
The Ann Arbor school district has not responded to requests for comment.