West Virginia Parents Sue for Gender Equity

Parents in Mercer County, West Virginia have filed a lawsuit in federal district court against the Board of Education, alleging that inferior athletic opportunities for female students at Princeton Senior High School violate Title IX. The Bluefield Daily Telegraph reports that the complaint cites discrimination in the distribution of equipment and facilities like pitching machines and batting cages, uniforms, travel, access to coaching staff, and "other specific complaints." One example noted in the article is that boys' uniforms -- and in the case of football, even shoes -- are provided by the school, but softball and volleyball players must pay or fundraise for all or some of their gear -- including the tape to mark the volleyball court.