Title IX lawsuits have forced other schools to address the climate of anti-LGBT bullying, implement stronger measures against such harassment, and even to pay damages to students who were victims of abuse (see, e.g.). If Holmes's testimony in her case is even half as compelling as in this video from SPLC's website, a similar outcome in her case seems inevitable.
Showing posts with label Mississippi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mississippi. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Bullied Student Sues Mississippi School District
The Southern Poverty Law Center has sued the Moss Point School District in Mississippi on behalf of a junior high school student, Destin Holmes, who was bullied by students and staff because of her failure to conform to gender stereotypes. The complaint alleges that Holmes was insulted as many as 20 times a day, as students and even staff called her things like “it,” “freak” and “he-she.” One teacher denied her access to the girls' restroom, while another did not allow her to participate in a classroom activity that divided the students by gender. Though teachers and other school officials witnessed or received reports about this abuse, they took no action to stop it. Not even when SPCL issued a demand letter earlier this year, calling on the school district to ensure Holmes's safety and protect her civil rights.
Title IX lawsuits have forced other schools to address the climate of anti-LGBT bullying, implement stronger measures against such harassment, and even to pay damages to students who were victims of abuse (see, e.g.). If Holmes's testimony in her case is even half as compelling as in this video from SPLC's website, a similar outcome in her case seems inevitable.
Title IX lawsuits have forced other schools to address the climate of anti-LGBT bullying, implement stronger measures against such harassment, and even to pay damages to students who were victims of abuse (see, e.g.). If Holmes's testimony in her case is even half as compelling as in this video from SPLC's website, a similar outcome in her case seems inevitable.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Mississippi High School Coach Sues District
Catherine Papagolos, former softball coach, filed suit against the Lafayette County School District in Mississippi, claiming that she was fired in retaliation for complaining about gender equity in her salary. Specifically, it is reported that she alleged she was fired after questioning why her salary was not comparable to that of the high school baseball coach.
While Title IX does not require coaches in similar sports to be paid the same -- factors like experience and other qualifications, size of team, and size of staff may justify differences -- it is important that for protection from retaliation to kick in, all that is required is Coach Papagolos's reasonable belief that a violation had occured. No one should get fired for complaining in good faith about the gender equity of a district's policy or decision.
While Title IX does not require coaches in similar sports to be paid the same -- factors like experience and other qualifications, size of team, and size of staff may justify differences -- it is important that for protection from retaliation to kick in, all that is required is Coach Papagolos's reasonable belief that a violation had occured. No one should get fired for complaining in good faith about the gender equity of a district's policy or decision.
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