Is Denying Girls Locker Room Access a Title IX Violation?

At a public middle school in Washington State, both boys’ and girls’ sports programs are provided. Both locker rooms are available for use before practice but are locked during practice. After practice, only the boys’ locker room is unlocked. The girls’ locker room remains locked, preventing girls from changing clothes after practice and denying them a secure place for their belongings. Is this arrangement a potential violation of Title IX?

According to Title IX regulations:

  1. Comparable Facilities (§ __.410)
    Under the Title IX common rule, recipients of federal financial assistance must not discriminate in the provision of facilities based on sex. A recipient may offer separate toilet, locker room, and shower facilities on the basis of sex, but such facilities must be comparable between sexes.

From this perspective, it does seem like a Title IX violation since the facilities are not comparable for girls who are effectively barred from use. This only applies to schools receiving federal funding. Read the full text here: Civil Rights Division | Title IX.

It could be a violation. The specifics matter: If you’ve reported it to the school and they ignored it, that’s more serious. If it’s just something you’ve noticed without raising the issue, they might not see it as a problem. Your first step should be to talk to the principal or athletic director to address the issue, which might just be an oversight.

@Parly
I want to approach the athletic director informed, as my gut says this isn’t right. I’ve struggled to find information beyond discussions on trans student access. The quoted section matches my instincts; I’m just hesitant to label it a Title IX violation without being certain.

@Kipp
There’s no need to discuss Title IX at this point. Just bring up the issue directly:

You: “Hello (insert AD name). I’ve noticed the girls’ locker room at (insert school name) is locked, preventing them from changing or securely storing their belongings during sports. Can we ensure it’s accessible?”

This should resolve the issue. Threatening legal action quickly complicates matters.

@Parly
Exactly. Mentioning lawsuits can shut down communication and make them defensive.

What reason does the school give for the girls’ locker room being locked?

For assistance, find the district’s Title IX or civil rights coordinator. You can locate contact information here: School District & Charter School Compliance Coordinators. If this isn’t VSD, use the same link to find the correct contact.