BOSTON — Representative Thomas P. Walsh (D-Peabody) announced that House Bill 923, An Act relative to Department of Conservation and Recreation facility Title IX compliance, was passed by the House of Representatives at this morning’s legislative session. Under House Bill 923, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) must include, as part of its annual budget filing, a work timeline and describe related efforts the department has made and is scheduled to make in guaranteeing compliance with ensuring equal accommodations for sexes in Department of Conservation and Recreation-owned facilities. Title IX of the federal Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex and gender discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, including high school sports programs.
“With Title IX celebrating its 50th year anniversary last year, we are long overdue in ensuring that all athletes have access to equal accommodations at our state-owned rinks and pools,” Walsh said. “This bill will encourage compliance with federal law and the basic fairness of locker room equity will allow and encourage more girls and women to participate in the sports programming offered at DCR-owned facilities.”
As the successor to the former Metropolitan District Commission, DCR maintains ownership of dozens of ice rinks and swimming facilities across the Commonwealth, many of which have been leased to private companies or municipalities to operate. These publicly owned facilities host competitions for hockey leagues, swim teams, and figure skating programs while also providing a venue for offerings such as water aerobics classes and public skating. By making DCR’s efforts to achieve compliance with Title IX transparent and accessible, House Bill 923 will provide for accountability toward this requirement.
After passing the House today, House Bill 923 is currently before the Massachusetts Senate for consideration.
