AB 932 proposes several amendments to Government Code section 53080 relating to sex or gender discrimination in community youth athletics programs. This bill was introduced by Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin, and is sponsored by the Davis Storm Girls Basketball Club.
Government Code section 53080 currently prohibits cities, counties, and special districts from discriminating on the basis of sex or gender in the operation, conduct, or administration of community youth athletics programs, or in the allocation of parks and recreation facilities and resources that support those programs.
AB 932 would extend these prohibitions to local educational agencies, defined as school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools. It would also apply to school and recreation facilities and resources used to support community youth athletics. Based on these proposed amendments, it seems likely that private schools will remain unaffected unless they make use of public recreation facilities or resources.
Supporters argue that, under current law, boys’ athletic teams often receive more favorable practice times and greater access to facilities. They contend that expanding section 53080 to include local educational agencies would help address longstanding practices that exclude and marginalize female athletes.
AB 932 has passed both the Assembly and the Senate, and now awaits Governor’s Newsom’s decision. We will provide an update once action is taken.