Minneapolis schools agree to resolve Title IX complaints over several girls sports

The investigation first became public nearly 18 months ago after parents alleged that the city had no high-quality diamonds sized and fenced specifically for girls softball and that the lack of proper facilities undermined the players’ statistics and college prospects.

Patrick Henry is the only city high school to have its own baseball diamond, leaving all other district baseball and softball teams to rely on city fields run by the Park Board. Field conditions have been a concern, as has been the lack of adequate outfield fencing for some girls softball games.

The federal investigation found that several of the district’s girls volleyball and badminton teams also were put in the position of having to set up their own nets for practices and competitions.

Female athletes at two high schools reported their locker rooms lacked hot water.

Under the agreement signed this week, the district must attempt to engage girls’ interests in sports, including whether some needs are being unmet, and provide to the office of civil rights a summary of sports, squads and levels of sports that run short of those offered by other schools in the area.

The district also must provide a summary of the number of female athletes cut from each high school team and the reasons they were cut.