In a class-action lawsuit filed this week, female athletes at Red Bluff High School in California claim that the school has failed to provide equal access to sports programs and facilities and is in violation of Title IX.
The lawsuit claims that, based on data from the 2015-16 school year, the school’s student population of 1,306 is made up of 52 percent girls and 48 percent boys, a ratio that is not reflected when it comes to sports participation.
“Only 38 percent of the athletic participation slots at RBHS are afforded to girls. Thus, there exists a 14 percent participation gap between female athletic participation and female student body enrollment and 181 female athletes should be added to meet prong one of Title IX’s three-part test,” the lawsuit reads.
From AB: Education Department Sued Over Title IX in High Schools
The athletes in the suit, all minors represented by parents or guardians, participate in sports such as basketball, swimming, track and soccer at the school. They allege in the suit that the school’s male athletes get access to better practice and competitive facilities, while they are relegated to facilities that lack certain amenities. The suit describes girls’ facilities that are smaller, fewer in number, and lack equal access to storage and bathroom facilities. In addition, the suit alleges that girls’ teams don’t get equal access to equipment and coaching resources.
“RBHS’s female students are being denied a level ‘playing field’ due to the discriminatory actions and inaction of Defendant,” the suit reads.
You can read the full filing here.
