AB 2295 addresses gender equity in California’s athletic programs
Sacramento – Assemblymember Jenny Oropeza (D-Long Beach) announced that AB 2295 was signed into law by Governor Davis today. This legislation will study athletic programs throughout California’s public schools and the rate of compliance with Title IX. AB 2295 cleared both the Assembly and the Senate with bipartisan support.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Title IX, a federal statute that bans sex discrimination in both academic and athletic programs in educational institutions that receive federal funding. While many educational institutions have made a conscientious effort to provide an athletic program that is equitable to both male and female students, others have continued discriminatory practices and have not achieved equity.
“The benefits of athletic activity for girls and women are undeniable,” said Assemblymember Oropeza. “I authored AB 2295 because serious barriers still persist for women and opportunity in athletics must be equitable for both men and women.”
AB 2295 requires a study of athletic programs and their rate of compliance with Title IX. The Department of Education and the California Post Secondary Education Commission (CPEC), working with an independent evaluator, will study grades 7-12, and the campuses of the community colleges, the California State University, and the University of California. The legislation also requires the independent evaluator to provide recommendations related to improving compliance. The criteria for study will include equipment, uniforms, scheduling of games and practice times, recruitment policies, scholarships, school organization support, coach
compensation, and availability of training staff.
The Select Committee on Title IX will be holding an informational hearing on the disparities in Title IX compliance, specifically related to the experience of minority students. The hearing will be held on October 16, 2002 at UCLA’s James West Alumni Center. The Committee is chaired by the Speaker of the Assembly Herb J. Wesson, Jr. (D- Culver City).
# # # # #