Legal Question in Education Law in California

Questions about California Constitution AB1575. What is the definition of "educational activity"? The definition provided is very vague. Does this law apply to High School sports such as cheerleading? Our district believes that the ACLU lawsuit is revelant to HS sports. We now parents who believe they do not have to pay for the uniforms they ordered, the private coach fees, and the team competition fees. As result, other families have to pay more in order to keep the program alive. We do offer scholarships to families who request them. Uniforms purchase is not mandatory, in fact there are often used uniforms which girls can recieve at no cost. The boosters are working with two families who are in fiancial distress. Any suggestions. Thank you, Olga Coulter


Asked on 11/27/12, 9:13 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daphne Macklin Law Office of Daphne L. Macklin

AB 1575 is a recently enacted state law and not a constitutional amendment. The definition in the new statute is not vague but clearly states that fees may not be charged for participation in "educational" activities which are basically activities sponsored by a public school as part of the overall educational program. I recommend that you and other concerned parents meet with members of the school board. To comply with the new law, school districts and individual school facilities will need to review the activities the school sponsors, identify the education related purposes of the activities and develop plans for complying with this new rule.

I appreciate your concern about this matter however, I encourage you to work toward having the new rules interpreted in a way that encourages maximum amount of participation in school activities by all pupils. As the process of how the rules are interpreted is starting now, making your concerns known in a thoughtful way to the decision makers (i.e. the school board and school administrators) is the most effective way of insuring fairness to all children.

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Answered on 11/27/12, 4:40 pm


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