Which school is acting legally?(1 point)

Question

Responses

In a school, the boys’ teams have significantly more school funding, but more people go to see the boys’ games than the girls.’
In a school, the boys’ teams have significantly more school funding, but more people go to see the boys’ games than the girls.’

A school allows autistic students to compete, as long as they don’t need to be treated differently than the other athletes.
A school allows autistic students to compete, as long as they don’t need to be treated differently than the other athletes.

A school has a girls’ softball team and a boys’ baseball team; it doesn’t have girls’ baseball or vice versa.
A school has a girls’ softball team and a boys’ baseball team; it doesn’t have girls’ baseball or vice versa.

A school doesn’t allow a student with a wheelchair to play because it wouldn’t be fair to their teammates.

Answer 1

To determine which school is acting legally among the given scenarios, it's essential to consider the principles of equity and nondiscrimination in education, particularly under laws such as Title IX in the U.S., which addresses sex discrimination, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects individuals with disabilities.

1. Boys’ teams receive more funding than girls’ teams, but attendance is higher for boys’ games: This scenario may suggest a violation of Title IX, as equal funding is expected regardless of the popularity of the teams.

2. Autistic students are allowed to compete, as long as they aren’t treated differently: This approach may be seen as problematic because it could deny necessary accommodations that are required under the ADA.

3. A school has a girls’ softball team and a boys’ baseball team; it doesn’t have girls’ baseball or vice versa: As long as students have equal opportunities to compete, this may not violate any laws. However, it’s often preferable to provide equivalent teams (e.g., both a girls' and boys' baseball team) to avoid potential discrimination.

4. A school doesn’t allow a student with a wheelchair to play because it wouldn’t be fair to their teammates: This is likely a violation of the ADA, as it is discriminatory against a student with a disability.

Given this analysis, the scenario that likely reflects legal compliance is the third option: having a girls’ softball team and a boys’ baseball team is permissible as long as the school provides equal opportunities and equitable treatment for both genders in other aspects of sports participation. However, schools should strive to create equal opportunities, ideally having both baseball and softball options for both genders.