Title IX in Athletics
Piedmont Unified believes that all young people have the right to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, including gender discrimination.
Title IX now covers all forms of sex discrimination, including harassment, but it is best known for its impact to gender equity in athletics.
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistanceTitle IX
Civil Rights Act, Amendments from 1972
Equity in Athletics
The district began an audit of its high school athletics program beginning in the 2021-22 school year. The effort was championed by new Title IX Coordinator Stephanie Griffin and new Director of Athletics Bradley Smet. A task force was assembled to bring in multiple viewpoints, and Donna Lopiano, a national Title IX figure, was brought in to provide guidance and a methodology.
The audit process identified a participation gap of 55 female students and several disparities in benefits. PHS began addressing the gap and disparities going into the 2022-23 school year and continued the task force to improve the monitoring instrument.
PHS gathers participation data for state reporting (SB1349) and for Title IX evaluation. Title IX participation data can be found below in Action Plans, and state reporting data can be found here.