Chapter 12.30
GENDER EQUITY POLICY
Sections:
12.30.070 Authorizing administrative processes and procedures.
12.30.010 Purpose.
To establish a policy and procedures to provide equal access to public community athletic programs and park facilities by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex. (Ord. 1069-09 § 1 (Exh. A))
12.30.020 Background.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to the 1964 Civil Rights Act is a federal statute created to prohibit sex discrimination in education programs that receive federal financial assistance. Nearly every educational institution is a recipient of federal funds, and therefore is required to comply with Title IX.
In 1975, Washington adopted its own Title IX legislation in RCW 28A.640.010, which prohibits inequality in the educational opportunities afforded to women and girls at all levels of public schools in Washington State.
Currently, neither Title IX nor RCW 28A.640.010 extend protection to opportunities in community athletics programs. However, ESSB 5967, to be codified at Chapter 35A.21 RCW, was passed by the Legislature and became effective on July 26, 2009.
The Legislature has specifically found that the dramatic increases in participation rates at both the high school and college levels since Title IX was passed show that when doors are opened to women and girls, they will participate.
Further, athletic opportunities provide innumerable benefits to participants, including greater academic success, better physical and psychological health, responsible social behaviors, and enhanced interpersonal skills.
ESSB 5967 requires cities to adopt a policy that prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of sex in the operation, conduct, and administration of community athletics programs. (Ord. 1069-09 § 1 (Exh. A))
12.30.030 Policy.
The city of Sultan does not discriminate against any person on the basis of sex in the operation, conduct, or administration of community athletic programs or sports facilities. (Ord. 1069-09 § 1 (Exh. A))
12.30.040 Definitions.
“City” means city of Sultan.
“Community athletic programs” means any athletic program that is organized for the purposes of training for and engaging in athletic activity and competition that is in any way operated, conducted, administered or supported by the city of Sultan.
“Sports facilities” means any property owned, operated or administered by the city for the purposes of training for and engaging in athletic activity and competition. (Ord. 1069-09 § 1 (Exh. A))
12.30.050 Procedures.
A. Community athletic programs administered by the city will be operated in a manner that promotes equal opportunities for females and males.
B. The city will allocate and schedule sports facilities in a manner that provides equal access to all community athletic programs.
C. The city will not issue a lease or permit for use of any sports facility to a third party that discriminates against any person on the basis of sex in the operation, conduct or administration of a community athletic program.
D. This policy will be posted on the city website, along with the name, office address and office telephone number of employee and/or responsible official for carrying out compliance with this policy.
E. This policy, and the name, office address and office telephone number of employee and/or responsible official for carrying out compliance with this policy, will be included in all city publications that contain information about athletic programs or facilities operated or administered by the city. (Ord. 1069-09 § 1 (Exh. A))
12.30.060 Reporting.
Any citizen who feels she or he has been the victim of discriminatory treatment in violation of this policy should report this concern to the public works director, the city administrator, or the mayor for appropriate investigation. (Ord. 1069-09 § 1 (Exh. A))
12.30.070 Authorizing administrative processes and procedures.
The public works department, or such department or organization designated by the city with the responsibility for operating and maintaining sports facilities for community athletics programs at some point in the future, shall be authorized to develop and administer any processes and procedures necessary to implement the gender equity policy, as set forth in this chapter or subsequently amended. (Ord. 1069-09 § 2)