A handful of civil rights organizations moved to file an amicus brief Wednesday night in support of 12 gymnasts, who have sued the Sioux Falls School District over its decision to cut the gymnastics program from its budget and sports offerings earlier this school year.
The brief stems from the lawsuit and Title IX complaint the school district is facing for its decision. While the gymnastics season has continued this school year because of a preliminary injunction from a South Dakota judge, the district is waiting for a ruling after seeking to appeal that decision in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
A Better Balance, the California Women’s Law Center, Equal Rights Advocates, Legal Aid at Work and the Women’s Sports Foundation advise and represent girls and women with Title IX athletics claims, have a unique understanding of the purpose and role of Title IX athletics laws, and are committed to advancing gender equality, according to their brief.
On Jan. 5, lawyers for the school district communicated that they don’t consent to the filing of the brief, according to court documents.