Help Save Sioux Falls High School Gymnastics
Donation protected
As with all sports, Sioux Falls High School Gymnastics transcends beyond being just a sport. It's a place where remarkable relationships blossom and enduring bonds are forged. The uniqueness of this program has been evident to all involved—it stands out as one of the most cherished aspects in the lives of these girls. Within its nurturing environment, participants not only acquire invaluable life lessons but also grow into both accomplished gymnasts and exceptional young women.
We are currently seeking financial support to cover various associated expenses with the next phases of the Title IX legal battle aimed at saving the Sioux Falls High School Gymnastics program and furthering the expansion of participation opportunities for girls. This includes out-of-pocket court costs, deposition fees, court transcriber expenses, and expert witness fees, but does not include attorney’s fees.
Title IX, a landmark federal civil rights law, has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of opportunities for female athletes across various sports. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities, including athletics. This paved the way for increased participation and equitable treatment of female athletes in a wide range of sports. From gymnastics to volleyball to softball, Title IX has become a driving force behind the advancement of women in sports, fostering an environment where opportunities for female athletes continue to expand and thrive. But Title IX is about so much more than sports. Numerous studies have shown that participating in athletics offers a range of academic, social, economic, and health benefits. Yet the work to achieve equality for girls is not complete.
We are dedicated to fight for the rights of these student athletes for equal participation in athletics and we need your help! The recent success in obtaining a preliminary injunction for the '23-'24 gymnastics season has been a positive step, but our fight continues to secure the program's future for upcoming seasons and aspiring gymnasts.
Despite the preliminary injunction, which confirmed that the District’s plan to eliminate girls gymnastics would have deepened the gender disparity gap in athletics, the Sioux Falls School District still seems determined to remove this viable, growing, well-supported girls sport. In addition, the school district has apparently made the decision to limit boys' sports participation in response to the Title IX lawsuit but has not publicly explained how this new District-wide policy will affect all the students. We firmly believe that such limitations are detrimental to boys and the benefits they receive from sports participation, and it does nothing to expand opportunities for girls as Title IX requires. We believe boys and girls should be equally protected in their right to participate in athletics.
If you believe in equal rights for girls and women, if you believe in the personal, social and academic benefits of participating in youth athletics and extracurricular activities, if you or your children love the sport of gymnastics, join us by donating today! To those who get involved, thank you for your support; thank you for your willingness to fight for athletic opportunities for girls in the Sioux Falls District!
FAQ
1. What do donations cover?
Out of pocket court costs, deposition fees, court reporter expenses, and expert witness fees. These donations will not go toward any attorney’s fees.
2. The preliminary injunction reinstated gymnastics, why are these costs necessary?
The preliminary injunction was step 1, and it prohibited the School District from eliminating the girls’ gymnastics program until the case is fully decided. The next phases of the Title IX case require such costs.
3. Why is this case about more than gymnastics?
Title IX is about all athletic programs, and this case is about equal athletic opportunities and treatment for all student athletes. Participating in athletics offers a range of academic, social, economic, and health benefits. Girls and boys should be equally protected in pursuing those opportunities.
4. Why does this case affect other communities outside of Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls is the largest school district in South Dakota. How it manages its athletic programs, including the gymnastics program, will likely have a cascading effect on other athletic programs and competitive opportunities available to youth in other communities.
5. What is the timeline for the case’s outcome?
This is unknown, as the timeline depends on the federal court system and the parties involved in the litigation.
Organizer
Angi Allen
Organizer
Sioux Falls, SD