On January 8, 1997, parents, on behalf of their minor daughters, filed a class action complaint under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma against Independent School District No. 5 of Rogers County (also known as the Inola School District). Plaintiffs were certified as a class on April 24, 1997.

We have very little court information about this case -- just a docket sheet. But according to the plaintiffs' counsel's website, http://www.schillerlawfirm.com/gilbertvinola.html highlights of the settlement, approved in 1998, included:

1. The School District agreed to take affirmative steps to promote the participation of female students in the district's athletic program. This commitment includes the addition of varsity girls' volleyball.

2. The School District agreed to conduct a written survey of student interest in school sports at least every other year.

3. The School District agreed to establish a system of accounting for expenditures on male and female sports.

4. The School District agreed that it has the responsibility to equitably support boys' and girls' sports.

5. The School District agreed to publish to its students its commitment to equal opportunities for male and female students to participate in athletics.

6. The School District acknowledged its obligation to select coaches for boys' and girls' teams in an equitable manner.

7. The School District agreed to ensure that coaches of female teams receive special instruction regarding the value of strength and conditioning, and the use of the weight room.

On June 15, 1998, the Court (Judge Sven Erik Holmes) awarded plaintiffs attorneys' fees and costs totaling $18915.41 and terminated the case. On July 22, 1998, the parties filed a joint stipulation of dismissal, and the case was dismissed with prejudice.

Heather Turner - 06/02/2014


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