Two members of the Temecula Valley Unified School District board are facing intense criticism after making controversial remarks about a photo of shirtless teen water polo players. Board President Joseph Komrosky and trustee Jennifer Wiersma likened the school's water polo players, who were wearing team-issued Speedos, to adult-content creators and exotic dancers, igniting backlash from the community.
The photo in question, featuring six athletes cheering on their high school baseball team with "B-E-A-R-S-!" spelled out across their chests, was posted on Instagram. Parents, including Sharon Sardina whose son was in the photo, argue the trustees' comments were inappropriate and sexualized minors, leading to Sardina's call for their resignation.
Wiersma fueled the fire by reposting the players' image on her Instagram story, captioning it with a jab at dress code by suggesting the boys were part of an "OnlyFans crew." Komrosky followed by critiquing the photo in the comments, expressing concerns about its appropriateness.
“They’re putting our minors through a lot by sexualizing them. I want them to see the real issue is not about dress code,” Sardina shared, speaking to the LA Times.
Parents and community members expressed their discontent, with some criticizing the trustees for their "deviant minds" and urging them to step down.
Despite the uproar, Komrosky defended his stance, stating the image was against district standards. Meanwhile, Sardina formally asked the school board to hold the trustees accountable, urging for their resignations during a public meeting.
While Wiersma issued a brief Instagram apology, Sardina and others argued it was insufficient. The controversy has reportedly affected Sardina's son, leading him to distrust the school board.
Komrosky and Wiersma, who are part of a conservative board majority elected in 2022, have previously supported contentious policies, including a ban on critical race theory. The board will likely continue to face scrutiny as the community seeks resolution.