How is it a policy (if)there was no malicious intent behind the policies, which had been in place for some time. Why?

Actuary "Ezekial 25:17 - The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequites of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he that shepherds the weak from the valley of darkness for he is truly his brother's keeper, and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers, and you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee."

Office Of Civil Rights Finds CCISD In Violation Of Equal Sports Funding

Updated: May 13, 2008 08:40 AM
Office Of Civil Rights Finds CCISD In Violation Of Equal Sports Funding

CORPUS CHRISTI-The Office of Civil Rights has ruled in favor of a parent who complained of inequalities in CCISD's sports programs for boy and girls. Jeanne Bowman filed the complaint more than two years ago. Bowman is happy with the ruling and pledges to continue her fight to help make sports fair for all students.

She said she noticed a sort of favoritism toward boys sports over girls in some CCISD high schools when her own daughter was a student athlete her freshman year.

Bowman told KRIS 6 News, "I went from Principal to Athletic Director to CFO, you know, downtown. And it just wasn't a problem for them."

So, in 2006, Bowman took her complaints to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). During that time, she said the district fixed some of her issues on its own, like hiring more athletic trainers and advertising all sporting events, instead of just men's games.

But, this weekend, Bowman finally got word that OCR found CCISD in violation of Title Nine, which relates to equal funding for boys and girls sports.

As a result, CCISD must waive a $185 fee set in place for girl's volleyball players, as well as get better equipment for girl's softball at Carroll High School.

"Had I done a lawsuit, it would have cost the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorney fees for these kind of results," Bowman commented.

CCISD Superintendent Scott Elliff told 6 News there was no malicious intent behind the policies, which had been in place for some time.

Elliff confirmed, "OCR is requiring us to come up with a plan of action to remedy those two specific findings which we should be able to take care of pretty quickly this summer."

Bowman said she is happy with her progress, but she will keep tracking the athletic program to make sure its fair for all to play sports.

Online Reporter: Melissa Monti