The parent is objecting saying we must withdraw the offering unless we offer a boys program at the same time...the pto is scared of threatened legal action.
Did this person actually threaten legal action? Follow nonsequitur and Kathie's advice and document and consult with an attorney. Now to vent... [img]smile.gif[/img]
This is one of those topics that really gets me fired up. I found this link that pretty much explains it all! Here's a quick excerpt- [img]smile.gif[/img]
You don't like the idea that there is a female-only organization for high school teens? Go start a male-only one or join the coed one. But for crying out loud, stop trying to change things that were created based upon a need, want, and desire and that are prospering! Equality does NOT necessitate coed.
You can read the whole thing at www.amazoncastle.com/feminism/coed.shtml
Perhaps you can print it out and give it to this woman when you ask her to be the new All Boys Basketball Clinic Coach.
Why is it there's always one in the crowd who has to be diffficult? I noticed that while this person was quick to criticize and make threats, they weren't nearly as quick in actually offering to HELP.
Since it's not a "school" program, I don't see the problem and I can't see a judge having a problem with it either. As the others have said, ask the school lawyer (if they aren't all that good, make sure you get a second opinion). If the person actually goes to court, they should be ashamed for wasting that much free time and energy on something like that instead of doing something positive for the kids with it!
I would ask the girls before making it coed. There may not be much difference in skill but there can be a big difference in temperment. For some guys, basketball is a full contact sport.
I agree with Kathie, as a parent group your not required to satisfy the Title X requirements. Besides this is an "enrichment" activity not an organized sport. As hard as it is to get parents involved it's too bad that people like that can ruin it for everyone.
Here's a thought. How about offering to let that parent run the "boys" basketball clinic.
Also would it be possible to have the clinic be co-ed? That's what we did for our enrichment program. At that age there isn't much difference between boys and girls from a skill perspective.
Our School District has an attorney that is paid to answer legal questions. I would have the Principal direct the problem to him/her. The PTO is not the school (unless you are under their tax exempt number) and should not have to satisfy any Title X rules. Unless the coach is paid, and your PTO is legally a school entitiy, I don't think the complainer has a leg to stand on.
