But, if you don't believe us, here's another current example out of Minnesota. The Albert Lea Tribune reported that school and booster club administrators are going to streamline their communications on inventory and funding. While that itself isn't bad, and is of course expected, the following logic is worrisome. The reporter refers to assistant principal John Double:
We can only hope that officials see the impracticality of implementing rules that will inevitably discourage money from trickling in, not to mention damper the involvement and passion shown by parents. Last time we checked, parental support was the holy grail for scholastic and athletic achievement."The biggest issue, he said, would be following the rules of Title IX. The 1972 federal law requires the school to provide equal opportunities regardless of gender. If boosters are helping out one team and not another, it becomes the school’s problem, even if it is a donation. Double said with the way things will be run now, the school can help with the fairness before it becomes an issue."
Update: Pacific Legal Foundation has also posted on booster clubs affected by Title IX. Check it out here.
1 comment:
Wow, that is ridiculous. Approaching boosters and fundraisers like this is exactly how to lose those same boosters and fundraisers. At this point, schools - especially public schools with slashed budgets - are not in a position to dictate how privately contributed money can be distributed. Any gifts should be accepted as they are presented and used as instructed. Considering that the bulk of the money is most likely coming in earmarked specifically for the most expensive sport at the school (football, or possibly hockey in this case), having that extra cushion to offset costs should be welcomed with open arms.
Perhaps the booster clubs for the other sports should do the legwork to generate their own donations instead of riding off of another team's coattails and hard work...
Post a Comment