On December 8, 2000, a mother of a female student filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against Kilgore Independent School Districts on behalf of her minor daughter, at student within the school district. The complaint alleged that the school district had violated Title IX by denying her daughter access to try out for the cheerleading team due to previous disciplinary action while two male students, who received identical disciplinary actions, were allowed to participate in athletics. The complaint alleged that the school district's enforcement of the disciplinary actions had a disparate impact on the female students' ability and opportunity to participate in programs and athletics. The complaint also alleged that the school district violated Title IX by providing uniforms, equipment and supplies on an unequal basis to male and female athletic teams.

On May 29, 2001, the plaintiff amended her complaint to seek class action certification on behalf of all female students at Kilgore Independent School District that were affected by the school district's unequal treatment and disproportionate emphasis on male athletic programs and extracurricular activities over female programs. Specifically, the plaintiff cited funds and benefits provided to male athletes that were not equally provided to female athletes. The plaintiff sought declaratory and injunctive relief.

Judge William M. Steger for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas ordered a mediation conference for the parties on July 20, 2001. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie filed a mediation report on August 28, 2001, indicating that the parties had reached a settlement. The plaintiff moved to dismiss the case on October 4, 2001. Judge Steger granted the motion to dismiss on October 9, 2001. No settlement agreement was filed with the court.

Carlyn Williams - 02/17/2014


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