Recently, a complaint has been made against “The Girls in Leadership” program at the University of Minnesota due to its apparent violation of Title IX. “The Girls in Leadership” program is run through the University of Minnesota and is exclusive to girls in 8th grade or under. The program appears to violate Title IX on the basis of sex discrimination, excluding boys. The law, signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex at schools that receive federal funding, which the University of Minnesota does. The complaint has been brought to the attention of Chicago OCR (Office of Civil Rights) by Dr. Mark Perry, who often investigates and questions programs that may be in violation of Title IX. Perry has reached out to the Chicago OCR by email, calling attention to the “Girls in Leadership” program. 

NCAA.org has an entire page on its website dedicated to frequently asked questions about Title IX, explaining what it applies to and what it actually means. You can find each of the quotes below on NCAA.org. 

“No person in the United States shall, based on sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” 

“Title IX applies to all educational institutions, both public and private, that receive federal funds. Almost all private colleges and universities must abide by Title IX regulations because they receive federal funding through federal financial aid programs used by their students.”

Off the bases of the NCAA’s explanation of what Title IX is and stands for “The Girls in Leadership” program seems to be in violation of Title IX as it directly discriminates boys 8th grade and younger on the basis of sex. The lack of options for boys in the age range of 8th grade and younger are directly affected by the “Girls in Leadership” program. 

Perry, who resides in Minnesota, and has filed many complaints with the U.S. Office of Civil Rights about anti-male programs at many schools across the country and has been successful challenging multiple cases. 

The following is Perry’s complaint email to the OCR in Chicago:

Dear Chicago OCR:

The University of Minnesota is required to enforce Title IX as a condition of receiving federal funds. And yet the University promotes and sponsors a program that violates Title IX, details are provided below. 

The University’s “Girls in Leadership” program as the program name indicates is a single-sex, girl-only program that illegally excludes and discriminates against boys on the basis of sex. The video on the program website contains the following discriminatory gender-specific female references:

“… to find the next generation of female leaders….”

“We need Gophers fans to nominate amazing young women for our Girls in Leadership video series….”

“If you know a young women 8th grade or younger who deserves recognition please nominate her….’’