Phoenixville District Hit With Federal Civil Rights Complaint

PHOENIXVILLE, PA —A family has filed a complaint with the federal Department of Education accusing the Phoenixville Area School District of violating Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Mike Padilla, and his daughter, Kenzie, accused the district of investing more money and recognition for boys’ sports than girls’ sports.
Kenzie Padilla, 18, a senior at a charter school, said that in 2021 when her Phoenixville cross country team won the Pioneer League championship, the team received commemorative T-shirts.
In comparison, she said, in 2022 the boy's baseball team won a conference championship, and the team received championship rings, jackets, and a ceremony.
Her brother, also a runner for the district, got T-shirts, and running gear, including massage guns.
The Padillas requested that the district implement the same standards for the recognition of male and female athletes.

District responds

In response to the complaint, Nicole R. McClure, district spokeswoman, said the district is conducting an internal audit to determine the district's full compliance and address any disparities that are discovered.
“We take any allegations that are contrary to our principles and actions seriously,” McClure said in response to a request from Patch. "The Phoenixville Area School District is deeply committed to full compliance with Title IX and to the overall goal of the law which is to provide equal opportunities and benefits to all students, regardless of gender, in all programs including interscholastic athletics.”

McClure said that equity and inclusion are and have been top priorities in the Phoenixville community, across all facets of the district, from classrooms to playing fields.
McClure noted that Superintendent Melissa “Missy” McTiernan was an NCAA Division 1 national champion athlete, who has instilled this commitment to Title IX across the district.
McTiernan was appointed unanimously as superintendent of the Phoenixville School District, effective Nov. 1.

What's next?

• The Office of Civil Rights staff will determine if the complaint will be investigated.
• If the office determines to proceed with the investigation, the parties will be notified.
• The office will then conduct an investigation. The parties can reach an agreement during the investigation.
• If the investigation determines the district is not in compliance, the office will ask the district to reach a voluntary settlement.
• If not, the parties can file a federal lawsuit.