Student Presentation to the FWISD Board of Education - April 24, 2018
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During the April 24, 2018, FWISD Board of Education during, three members of the Trimble Tech HS Rugby Club - Girls' Team (a freshman and 2 sophomores) did an excellent job speaking during "public comments" to advocate for the inclusion of rugby as girls vasty sport. The message delivered was clear. There is pervasive and sustained female interest in playing rugby among the majority of Fort Worth ISD high schools. They also delivered a message that the District needs to address issues hindering female participation in the sport as well as a number of unfair treatment issues.
Prior to the meeting, the girls received words of support and encourage from various members of the School Board and administration of several school campuses. While we hope their words will translate into action, it doesn't currently look that way. The FWISD Athletic Director, Dr. Lisa Langston, stated "Rugby - girls or boys - is not a UIL sponsored sport or activity. Therefore, Fort Worth ISD Athletics does not offer this activity".in an NBC 5 DFW news story following the girls' presentation to the School Board. We find this thinking narrow minded and incorrect. As FWISD knows very well the District's Athletics Department supports cheerleading, dance/drill, powerlifting, and 7on7 football. None of these are UIL (state athletic association) sponsored activities. Further, many school districts surrounding FWISD (such as Birdville ISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, & HEB ISD) have been offering gymnastics – a non-UIL sponsored activity – as a varsity sport for years. If you are interested in watching these brave young girls speak;
You can download a copy of the girls comments here.
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| 2018_boe_mtg_apr_24_-_speaker_comments.pdf |