By Melanie Bennett
Hawaii, Following in Michigan's Footsteps, Changes Girls' Seasons
In 1996, Jill Nunokawa traveled to New York to brainstorm with Donna Lopiano, marking the beginning of a decade-long fight with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) to move girls' basketball from the spring to the winter and to move girls' softball from winter to spring.
Success:In May, the HHSAA announced that as of the 2007-2008 season, girls' basketball will play in winter and girls' softball will play in spring. This pronouncement came at the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to deny certiorari (review of) Communities for Equity v. Michigan High School Athletic Association's Sixth Circuit decision, That decision found the MHSAA guilty of discrimination against female high school athletes by scheduling regular and post-season championship competition in six girls' sports, but no boys' sports, in non-traditional seasons.
Geena's Hero:Jill Nunokawa, advocate
Hawaii
Boxer "Knocks Out" Limitation on Women's Competition
Layla McCarter, a professional female boxer, contacted the Foundation last May regarding an unfair regulation within the sport. The boxing regulations provide that men fight up to 12 three-minute rounds for a title fight, while women only fight up to 10 two-minute rounds for their title matches. McCarter found the regulations discriminatory because the longer rounds allow the boxers more time for skilled maneuvers. She requested that her state commission allow her to fight up to 12 rounds at three minutes each for her title fights. The director of her state boxing commission refused to change the regulations.
Success:The state changed the round limitations for women. After a new director was appointed to the state boxing commission, this boxer seized the opportunity to approach the new management and plead her case. The new director supported her charge of discrimination and since January she boxed in two title fights with three minute rounds. Had McCarter not knocked out her opponent in earlier rounds, thereby winning the title, the match could have gone to as many as 12 rounds.
“I want gender equity in boxing. The fight for equal money will come later, but for now we need to be under the same job description as professional boxers. Thank you for the support.”
Geena's Hero:Layla McCarter, boxer
Nevada
Football Player "Tackles" Unfair Policy
A female high school football player contacted the Foundation after her school refused to allow her to try out for the boys' football team. The Advocacy Department worked with her to create a plan for creating a girls' football league in her school district.
Success:Following the plan outlined by the Foundation, Kara organized her friends into a practice football squad and have been practicing four to five times a week for the past few months to show interest in the sport. As a result of their efforts, the school agreed to create a girls' team in fall 2007, if girls' interest in the sport continues.
Geena's Hero:Kara, football
Delaware
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