History of IDEA
Jeannie Oakes, Founder and Former Director
Youth Voice in School Finance
NEW REPORT: Los Angeles' road to A-G for all
Without Dollars and Sense Powerpoint
Past Educational Opportunity Reports
More schools accused of pay-to-play catch ACLU's gaze
- 08-23-2010
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Corey G. Johnson/CA Watch
The American Civil Liberties Union is accusing three more Southern California school districts of illegally charging students to participate in cheerleading, athletics, and AP calculus classes. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Poway, Grossmont and San Dieguito school districts received letters from the ACLU last week demanding internal documents on their pay-to-play practices. The letters included such instances as: Mandating a total of $1,691 in fees to be on the cheerleading team, plus another $600 to $700 to participate on the competitive squad at Poway's Mt. Carmel High. Requiring all athletes to purchase a $25 card to be eligible for sports at Grossmont High. Requiring students to purchase their own instruments and tuxedos to participate in the school band or orchestra at San Dieguito's Torrey Pines High. Pay-to-play has been illegal in California since April 1984. That year, the state Supreme Court ruled schools that charge children to participate in extracurricular activities violate the state's constitutional guarantee to a free education. (more...)
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