Cost of Swimsuits Basis for Title IX Complaint Against Lincoln-Way Schools

A student in the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 complained that female students are charged more than male students for swimwear, resulting in a letter to the district from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The letter alleged the district discriminates against female students for charging more for the swimwear and that the district did not follow Title IX requirements by not properly posting information about nondiscrimination, according to a Daily Southtown report.

The correspondence from the national department indicates the district is required to explain why it charges females more. Since the district receives Title IX funds, it is not allowed to discriminate in any sport or activity on the basis of sex.

District 210 Superintendent Scott Tingley told the Southtown that the swimsuits are sold at a lower price compared to the manufacturer’s suggest retail price and that girls are offered a larger discount than boys.

At LW 210, boys are charged $25 for swimwear and girl, $40. The retail prices are $38 for boys and $65 for girls. While swimming is a requirement for freshmen students, the students are not required to purchase the swimsuits from the district.

"It's never been an issue," Tingley said. "Boys' suits are not as expensive."

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