Mandates that athletic teams that are sponsored by a public school or a private school whose teams compete against a public school, be designated as (1) "males", "men" or "boys"; (2) "females", "women" or "girls"; or (3) "coed" or "mixed".
Impact
The legislative findings within S2790 cite significant physiological differences between sexes that affect athletic performance, arguing that these differences create an insurmountable performance gap, justifying the need for separate teams. Schools will be empowered to uphold these regulations without the fear of litigation or penalties from governmental or accrediting organizations. This creates a landscape where female athletes can compete fairly and have their opportunities for recognition and scholarships preserved.
Summary
S2790, known as the Save Women's Sports Act, aims to regulate participation in interscholastic and intramural sports by requiring schools to designate teams based on the biological sex of participants. Teams would be classified explicitly as 'males', 'females', or 'coed'. The bill prohibits males from participating on teams designated for females, thereby ensuring that female athletes are competing exclusively with other females. Furthermore, the act seeks to protect schools from any adverse actions by entities for maintaining these segregated teams, affirming the unique biological differences that purportedly confer athletic advantages to male athletes.
Contention
The bill has been met with both support and criticism. Proponents argue that S2790 is essential for ensuring a level playing field for female athletes, advocating for the rights of women in sports. Conversely, opponents contend that this law infringes on the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals, suggesting that the imposition of strict biological classifications may exclude a significant portion of student athletes from participating in sports. Furthermore, critics express concern about the implications of reinforcing traditional gender roles within the sporting community, raising debates about inclusivity and equity in athletics.
Requires public middle schools, to allow students from a recognized non-public, charter, or alternative education institution, to participate in a non-sponsored sport in the school district where the student resides.
Provides that the school year for all public schools, including traditional public and public charter schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academies, would start on the same date of each calendar year.
Provides that funds or monies collected by designated quasi-public corporations or agencies not be subject to transfer or reallocation by order of the governor or general assembly.
Provides that parents and guardians of children with disabilities in private school have the same rights and remedies as parents/guardians of children in public school.
Authorizes a host city or town to impose a two percent (2%) tax on the endowment of a private institution of higher education that is in excess of one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000), to be used only for the host public school district.
Requires that any state agency, state institution of higher education, and quasi-public agency that engages in printing more than 50 copies of a contract, publication, brochure, notice, or promotional material to use a state-owned or operated print shop.
Establishes a statewide “Healthy School Meals for all” universal school breakfast and lunch program in Rhode Island public schools phased in over 3 years