This bill directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to cooperate with the Missouri Women's Council to research and prepare a report on gender inequities in public school districts. The report will determine the degree to which school districts comply with applicable federal law and will include policy recommendations needed to achieve gender equity. The women's council is required to submit the report to the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate by November 27, 1996. The research and survey will also determine the differentiation of participation rates between males and females in upper level math and science classes and the number of media center resources by women authors or relating to women's accomplishments. It must be communicated to each school district that its participation in this survey is completely voluntary.
Supporters say that gender inequity still exists in schools.
This study will help establish the facts upon which future legislation relating to achieving gender equity could be based. In addition, finding those areas of gender discrimination now may help prevent expensive lawsuits down the road. There was no opposition voiced to the committee. Lumpe, Kauffman This bill directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to cooperate with the Missouri Women's Council to research and prepare a report on gender inequities in public school districts. The report will determine the degree to which school districts comply with applicable federal law and will include policy recommendations needed to achieve gender equity.