The Sioux Falls School District, already navigating the legal waters of attempting to cut the school gymnastics program, may look to “adjust” boys' participation in sports.
When the district moved to cut the gymnastics program earlier this year, several families of team members sued to stop it.
That lawsuit continues to move through the court system, though a preliminary injunction was granted in favor of the gymnastics team – keeping the lights on for at least one more season.
Now, the district is expressing concern keeping the gymnastics program disrupts the balance of boys and girls programs, potentially putting the school out of compliance with Title IX. Officials say they may need to adjust boys’ programs – but didn’t specify what that meant.
Angi Allen is the parent of student athletes in the gymnastics program and a named individual on the lawsuit. She told the board she's acting as a resident, not a legal opponent.
“The gymnastics community as a whole staunchly believes girls and boys deserve and have a right to the same opportunities and benefits that athletic participation provides," Allen said. "Why is the district going scorched earth instead of getting creative and collaborative? Why is the district seeking to stir the pot until it boils over instead of lowering the temperature?”
Another district parent, Gregg Gohl, said he understands the district gets saddled with difficult decisions, but he isn’t on board with cutting opportunities.
“I’m hopeful whatever the reason is the board knows there’s no parent group, no coaches group that I’m aware of, no activities director I’m aware of that’s in favor of reducing opportunities for our students – weather it’s boys or girls," Gohl said. "My ultimate hope is we can work together to enhance opportunities for all of our students.”
In a statement, administrators said “the Sioux Falls School District ultimately seeks clarification through a ruling on the relevance of Title IX guidance and the ability of school districts to make programmatic decisions for high school activities and the athletics programs.”
Further, the district officials said they intend to take the necessary measures to ensure sports generate equal participation for boys and girls to remain in compliance with Title IX.
