The College Park community of students, families, and staff, located in the Mount Diablo Unified School District, was recently sent an email about how some students have reported sexual discrimination. In the email, the administrative staff explained what changes they were implementing to combat such issues. Changes such as equal access to facilities, equipment and scheduling, renovations, annual surveys, prime game time and equal publicity for all sports teams were some of the things listed in an effort to combat the ever-present issue of sexual discrimination in sports.
Campolindo Principal Pete Alvarez said “Athletic director Meadows and myself have been very aware of anytime that we do something we try and ensure that it is equitable.”
In the email, Adam Clark, superintendent of Mount Diablo Unified School District, stated, “This letter comes in the wake of a settlement agreed upon between the District and a class of female students addressing female athletes discrimination under Title IX at College Park High School.” Clark then apologized and explained that the district would be implementing changes to rectify this error in the school.
Dedicated Campo athlete senior Emory Hsiao has been participating in Campo sports for three years. After several injuries prohibiting him from doing wrestling and cross country, he is now participating in spring swimming. When asked about his coaches, he said, “I really like the wrestling coach, he’s really supportive and the track coach is really to the point. He definitely coaches people well.”
Senior Avery Sullivan also thinks she has been provided with excellent coaches. Mack Fisher, a senior, agreed, feeling that Campo has provided good coaches for the athletes. Campo tries to put forth the best they can while still providing equal opportunities for all teams. Athletes fundraise for their sports to buy new equipment and to improve athletic facilities.
When asked how they would feel if their fundraising money would go towards another sport, their answers were similar. Hsiao said, “I don’t think I would have any issue with that, most of the sports already have so much money it probably wouldn’t make too much of a dent.”
Fisher echoed Hsiao’s statement, and further explained where this situation may be appropriate. “I think it depends on the scenario. Maybe if we already have all the things that we need, and then you’re just wasting the money, I feel like it could be used in better ways. Like if the swim team needs better stuff and we already have all our gear, I’d be fine with giving them that money. It just depends.” Sullivan agreed with Fisher's statement.
Countless students have not reported that they have faced discrimination; however, not reporting it does not mean it did not happen at all. Several students who have shared their stories and experiences to be written about/published in the school newspaper (The Claw) about athletic inequality.
