To: Desert Sands Unified School District Superintendent Kelly May-Vollmar Ed.D.; Board President Kailee Watson, OD

Dear Madame President and Superintendent of the Board,

I respectfully request that the following Resolution “SUPPORTING TITLE IX AND FAIRNESS IN GIRLS’ INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS” be placed on the May 20, 2025, DSUSD Board of Education Regular Board Meeting. This request is made in accordance with DSUSD Bylaw 9322: Agenda/Meeting Materials, which states that: “Any member of the public may request that a matter within the jurisdiction of the Board be placed on the agenda of a regular meeting. The request must be in writing and submitted to the Superintendent with supporting documents and information, if any, at least one week before the scheduled meeting date.”

RESOLUTION: SUPPORTING TITLE IX AND FAIRNESS IN GIRLS’ INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS

Background: Title IX passed as a landmark federal law intended to eliminate discriminatory practices based on sex in educational institutions that receive federal funding in such areas as admissions, academics, athletics, and facilities. In sports, Title IX was particularly significant because it addressed the disparities in athletic opportunities between men and women. The intent was to ensure that women had the same opportunities as men to participate, compete, and succeed in educational and athletic programs. Title IX acknowledged that while there were inherent biological differences, those differences should not translate into unequal treatment or lack of access. The goal was to dismantle barriers that kept women from reaching their full potential in sports and other educational pursuits and to ensure that both male and female athletic programs have equitable access to opportunities, funding, facilities, and resources.

The original purpose of Title IX was never about ensuring that men could compete against women, but to ensure that women had equal opportunities in sports, and it remains a significant core value in advocating for women’s rights in education and athletics, and as such should be carried out in its original intent.

WHEREAS, the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) is committed to upholding fairness, safety, and equal opportunities for all student-athletes; and

WHEREAS, Title IX of the federal Education Amendments of 1972 was enacted to prohibit sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, ensuring that female athletes have equal opportunities to compete and excel in sports; and

WHEREAS, Title IX has played a critical role in expanding opportunities for female athletes, promoting fair competition, and increasing access to scholarships and other athletic advancements; and

WHEREAS, biological differences between male and female athletes can create inherent advantages in competitive sports, particularly in categories designated specifically for girls; and

WHEREAS, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) is responsible for governing interscholastic athletics and must ensure that policies align with the principles of fairness, safety, and equal opportunity outlined in Title IX; and

WHEREAS, protecting the integrity of girls’ sports is essential to maintaining an even playing field for female athletes and preserving the intent of Title IX;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Desert Sands Unified School District affirms its unwavering support for Title IX and calls on athletic governing bodies to uphold its protections by ensuring fairness in girls’ sports; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Governor of California, the California State Legislature, the California Department of Education, and the California Interscholastic Federation to demonstrate DSUSD’s commitment to protecting female student-athletes.