So, educating school administrators didn't work? Sometimes its hard for people to change. If you are sure of your facts but are disappointed at school officials' lack of responsiveness, you may want to consider taking additional steps.
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, GO PUBLIC
To make the right things happen you may need to go over the heads of school administrators. Consult with your parents, teachers and/or coaches because you will benefit from their help and advice. This section will explain some further actions to consider.
Step Ten: Write to your school board or college board of trustees
Moving your concerns to a higher levels means contacting everyone who sits on your local school board or on your college's Board of Trustees. Call your school district superintendent or the Secretary to the Board of Trustees of your college. Ask them to send you a list of the names and mailing addresses of each person on the board.
It's best to write a letter—not e-mail—listing your concerns to the board chairperson. You should include details about each meeting you've already had and what each school official told you. Finish your letter by asking the Board to investigate the situation you've just described. Ask for an opportunity to meet with the chairperson to state your case. In addition to your signature, have as many athletes and parents as possible sign your letter too. You should also send separate copies of the letter to individual board members. And don't forget to ask the Women's Sports Foundation to write to everyone on the board on your behalf too.
Step Eleven: Tell your local newspaper, radio and TV
See how the board responds, or doesn't respond, to your letter. Sometimes you'll find that nothing happens. Gather your "Title IX team" and talk over the possibility of "going public" with the story of your efforts. Remember that taking this step will put you in the spotlight, so make sure to prepare everyone around you for this new stage of action.
Put together a list of your local newspapers, radio stations and television stations. Get the names the key editors and senior management. For newspapers you'll want to find out the name of the editor-in-chief, the sports editor and the publisher. For radio and television official titles can vary. Most likely you'll want to contact the news editor, the most senior producer at the station who is responsible for newscast programming, the head of the sports department and the station's general manager. Send them all copies of the same letter. (To whom should it be addressed?)
Step Twelve: Write to your legislators
Another way to "go public" is by asking your elected officials--both state and federal—for assistance. Helping voters—your parents, your legal guardian or you, if you are of voting age—is important to them. Write a message to your representatives, sign it and also have your parent or guardian add their name too. It's also important to send a copy of your e-mail via regular mail to be sure it's been received. And get your parent or guardian to sign it.
Everything we've suggested up to now is "political" action…stating your case to people in order to persuade them to do the right thing. Sometimes none of your good-faith efforts will work.
PLAYING HARDBALL--COMPLAINTS AND LAWSUITS
Step Thirteen: Keep On Going If you have come to this stage, you may wish to consider reporting your case to a federal agency like the Office for Civil Rights, or even bringing a lawsuit. If you haven't done it already, give the Women's Sports Foundation a call. Part of our mission is to help you think through the pros and cons of these actions as well as suggesting the "How to…". Remember, it's important to stand up for your rights or the rights of your daughter, sister, relative or friend.
Step Fourteen: Contact Your State Title IX CoordinatorState Education Agencies are required to designate at least one Title IX Coordinator. These coordinators may investigate gender equity or Title IX complaints within the school system. To issue a complaint, send them a letter detailing your school's non-compliance with Title IX and your efforts to address your concerns. Send this letter to your State Title IX Coordinator.
Step Fifteen: The Title IX ComplaintMaking a formal complaint to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is not a lawsuit. An "administrative complaint" can be filed by anyone, it could come from a parent, an athlete, an entire team or even be initiated by a total stranger. The complaint can simply be a letter in which you outline your school's non-compliance with Title IX and your efforts to address your concerns. Send this letter to your regional OCR regional office.
REMEMBER YOUR PAPER TRAIL: Be sure to send your letter "Registered Mail/Return Receipt Requested" so that you can document that was received.
In a specific instance of discrimination, the complaint must be filed within 180 days or within 60 days after the last action of the school's internal grievance procedure. The OCR is obligated to notify the institution involved within 15 days of receiving the complaint that they will begin an investigation.
Step Sixteen: A Title IX Lawsuit.No one likes going to court. But, because of your individual circumstances, you may decide to pursue this avenue. The step beyond an administrative complaint is a lawsuit. A lawsuit must be filed by a person or by several persons who are directly affected by the discrimination. You will need an attorney.
If you need help finding a lawyer, the Foundation will help you identify one who will assist you at no cost for his or her time.
Remember, you can contact the Women's Sports Foundation at any step of the way to discuss your situation and get help. E-mail our Advocacy Department or call us on our toll-free number 1-800-227-3988.