Recognizing Ashley Badis, Alexis Badis, Abigail Pothier, And Tatiana Arteaga As Trailblazers For Gender Equality And Equity In Hawaii High School Sports.
One of the landmark actions taken by these students was the filing of a federal class-action lawsuit in 2018, supported by the ACLU of Hawaii, which claimed violations of Title IX due to the unequal resources allocated to girls' sports compared to boys' sports at their school. This lawsuit resulted in a significant movement to rectify disparities, culminating in the Hawaii State Legislature appropriating over $60 million for improved locker facilities and athletic resources for female athletes, including significant funding specifically designated for James Campbell High School.
House Resolution 67 recognizes Ashley Badis, Alexis Badis, Abigail Pothier, and Tatiana Arteaga for their significant contributions toward gender equality and equity in Hawaii high school sports. These high school graduates from James Campbell High School have been pivotal in advocating for equal treatment and resources for female athletes, particularly highlighting the lack of stand-alone locker rooms and other resources necessary to ensure equality in sports facilities and opportunities. Their advocacy underscores the ongoing relevance of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded educational programs.
The settlement to their lawsuit, which was approved by the U.S. District Court in early 2024, includes a seven-year compliance plan to monitor and improve gender equality in athletic opportunities. This plan will also involve creating systems for reporting violations and protects students advocating for gender equity from retaliation. The resolution not only honors the individuals involved but also emphasizes the importance of continued efforts towards ensuring equal treatment in sports, thereby mandating accountability among schools within the Oahu Interscholastic Association to uphold Title IX standards. The broader implications of this resolution extend to changing perceptions and practices around gender equity in schools across Hawaii.