U.S. Dept. of Education Resolves Title IX Athletics Probe in Minneapolis Public Schools

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) stated today that the Minneapolis Public School District in Minnesota has reached an agreement to ensure compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 concerning district-wide athletics programs at its high schools. OCR looked into whether the district adequately catered to the interests and abilities of female students in its interscholastic athletics program, and if it provided equal opportunities in competitive and practice facilities and locker rooms for its female athletes.

An investigation by OCR highlighted discrepancies between the enrollment rate of female students and their participation in interscholastic athletics at various district high schools and overall. The district admitted to not conducting a student athletic interest survey in the last decade and lacking written policies for adding sports to the program.

Disparities were also found in the provision of facilities for practice and competition, with girls’ teams often having inferior facilities compared to boys’ teams. For example, most softball facilities used by the district’s teams were not up to fast pitch softball regulations, lacking proper equipment. Furthermore, girls’ softball teams faced scheduling conflicts with adult softball leagues.

Moreover, concerns were raised about female athletes being responsible for maintaining facilities, such as setting up nets for practices and competitions. Some girls’ volleyball and badminton teams had to set up equipment and seating for events. Additionally, some girls’ softball teams had to set up outfield fencing due to inadequate facilities.

The investigation also noted discrepancies in locker room quality for female student athletes across multiple high schools. While some female locker rooms lacked basic amenities like hot water and proper maintenance, male athletes enjoyed additional exclusive locker rooms. Female athletes also reported restricted access to their locker rooms compared to male athletes.

Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon commented, “Minneapolis Public Schools has signed a robust agreement to assure that female students have equal opportunities in athletics facilities as Title IX guarantees.”

As part of the resolution agreement, the district will assess athletic accommodations for female students, develop a participation plan, establish a Stakeholder Committee for policy creation, evaluate facilities, provide training on Title IX compliance, and more.

Detailed information on the resolution agreement and letter is accessible on the OCR website.