Friday, July 18, 2025 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Re: Settlement in J.D. et al. v. Mt. Diablo Unified School District

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Yesterday, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted final approval of the settlement agreement in J.D. et al. v. Mt. Diablo Unified School District, bringing a successful resolution to a class action lawsuit filed by students at College Park High School, alleging gender discrimination under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Title IX requires gender equity in education, including in athletics.  Although Title IX has been the law for over 50 years, girls in high schools across the country are regularly subjected to inferior athletic equipment, facilities, and opportunities compared to their male counterparts.

The plaintiffs in this action represented a class of female athletes at College Park High School who have experienced sex discrimination in school athletics. The girls alleged widespread disparities in equipment and facilities, as well as access to equal opportunities to play in high school sports.

The parties agreed to a settlement requiring the school district to take several steps to come into compliance with Title IX. For example, the school district has hired a third-party Title IX expert, devoted to helping the school fulfill its obligations; the school will ensure that female students are afforded equal opportunity to participate in athletics; and female athletes will be provided equal treatment and benefits as compared to male athletes in areas like coaching, equipment, and scheduling.

One of the most striking disparities at College Park High School was between the softball and baseball facilities: the boys’ team played on a state-of-the-art field, while the girls’ team used an overgrown, uneven field with gopher holes in the outfield. To remedy this inequity, the parties agreed that the school will ensure the varsity softball field is equitable to the existing baseball field.

The settlement represents a significant victory for female athletes at College Park High School, and for girls in sports more broadly. The agreement reflects the parties’ shared commitment to expanding opportunity and promoting fairness within the school’s athletic program. We are proud of the outcome and what it represents for gender equity in sports.

“We appreciate all the hard work that went into this agreement that will benefit all athletes at College Park High School, and we continue on in the fight for equality for girls’ sports!” Said Tiffiny Barraco, whose daughter was a plaintiff in the case.

Collectively, the California Women’s Law Center, Legal Aid at Work, Winston & Strawn LLP, and Kaufmann & Gropman represented the plaintiffs in this action. “We are so pleased that the District has committed to remedying the Title IX disparities our brave clients brought to their attention,” said Julianna Gesiotto, co-counsel on the case. “Winston is proud to have served as class counsel on a pro bono basis in this case and is committed to pursuing gender equity in sports at all levels,” said Diana Hughes Leiden, a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP.

CWLC, Winston & Strawn LLP, and KG are proud to advocate for gender equality and for girls’ participation in sports.

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