HB 1068 -- Gender Discrimination in Public Schools

Co-Sponsors:  Bray, Williams

This bill makes gender discrimination in public schools at all
levels a violation of state law and requires that entrance
requirements, counseling and guidance services, and athletic
programs (except those with heavy physical contact) be designed
without regard to gender and be equally available.  Programs do
not have to provide one-for-one balance, but data regarding
imbalances may be used in complaints pursuant to the bill.
Higher education admissions, financial aid, student housing and
benefits, and research must not discriminate on the basis of
gender.

Elementary and secondary school complaints will be filed with the
local school board; and if the complainant remains dissatisfied,
he or she may file a civil action in circuit court.  Complaints
at vocational schools and colleges must be filed with the
governing body of the school.  All levels of schools must file
plans for implementing gender equity with the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education or the Coordinating Board for
Higher Education, as appropriate.  Each agency will review the
plans annually.  School districts must use some of their
professional development funds on gender equity workshops and
must review textbooks for gender bias, registering their review
policy and noted examples of gender bias annually.  The Missouri
Women's Council must conduct research on policies and
differential participation rates and prepare a report to the
General Assembly by January 1, 2004.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:00 am