Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities - Exhibit 

1. Advantages and privileges of public schools include all extracurricular activities made available, sponsored or supervised by any public school.  No school shall sponsor or participate in the organization of outside extracurricular activities conducted as such school which restrict students participation on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, pregnancy or a related condition, veteran status, age, or homelessness . 603 CMR 26.06(l) does not prohibit School Committees from allowing use of school premises by independent groups with restrictive membership.

2. No student shall be denied the opportunity in any implied or explicit manner to participate in an extra-curricular activity because of the race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, pregnancy or a related condition, veteran status, age, or homelessness of the student except as provided in 603 CMR 26.06(7).

3. Each school system shall provide a fair distribution of athletic expenditures.  Each school within such system shall provide equal opportunity for male and female students to participate in intramural and interscholastic sports.  Factors considered in determining equal opportunity shall include budgetary allocations, the proportion of male and female students in the student body, the number and nature of activities offered, levels of competition, equipment (including rate of replacement), supplies, awards, uniforms, facilities, scheduling of games and practice times, travel opportunities and allowances, opportunities to receive equitable coaching and instruction at each level of competition and the availability of services such as medical and insurance coverage, publicity, clerical and administrative staff, scouting services and audio-visual aids.

4. In developing its athletic program, a school shall be required to demonstrate good faith by taking into account determined student interest.

5. In order to ensure fair distribution of athletic expenditures as defined in 603 CMR 26.06(4), each school shall indicate in the budget that is reviewed by the School Committee the anticipated expenditure for each interscholastic and intramural athletic activity and the anticipated student participation in the activity by number and gender.

6. A school may establish separate teams for males and females for interscholastic and intramural competition in a particular sport, provided that the requirements of 603 CMR 26.06(8) are satisfied.

7. Teams comprised primarily or solely of persons of one gender shall be granted equal instruction, training, coaching, access to available facilities, equipment and opportunities to practice and complete as teams engaged in a similar activity comprised primarily or solely of persons of the opposite gender.

8. Participation in extra-curricular activities shall be actively encouraged by each school for both boys and girls and for racial and ethnic minorities.  When offering extra-curricular programs, schools shall take into consideration the ethnic traditions of the student body.  Criteria not related to skill levels which act to exclude members of one gender of any racial, religious, or ethnic group represented in the school from, participation in specific athletic or other extracurricular activities cannot be permitted.

LEGAL REF.:     M.G.L. 71:47, 603 CMR 26.06
 

Reviewed, revised, approved by School Committee:  3/27/12

Reviewed; Revised; 10/27/15

Reviewed; no revisions 8/4/16

Reviewed, Revised 5/1/2018