Calabasas Is Told to Follow Rules

Calabasas High has been ordered to make improvements in its girls’ athletic program after a federal investigation found the school was not in compliance with Title IX gender equity requirements.

The investigation, conducted by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, determined that the school offers fewer opportunities in athletics for girls than boys, particularly at the lower levels, and that the school’s efforts to add new teams were insufficient. It also found that some facilities for boys were superior to those available to girls.

The report noted that, while girls comprise 50.8% of the students at the school, they account for only 36.4% of the athletes. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funds.

The school, in a plan submitted to the office of education, said it plans to add freshman and junior varsity teams to existing girls’ programs, upgrade facilities, particularly the softball fields and dugouts, and survey students to gauge interest in athletics.

Calabasas Athletic Director Bob Holycross said the school is hoping to form a freshman softball team for this season, but a coach has not been hired. The school recently hired a varsity and junior varsity coach after softball Coach Debbie Thomas resigned in January.

“If we can get into a league and get some kind of schedule, we’ll go for it,” Holycross said.

Wave them in: Julie Hinsche of Huntington Beach High and Kate Taylor of Tampa (Fla.) Prep have signed with the Pepperdine women’s volleyball team.

Hinsche is a 6-foot-1 middle blocker-outside hitter and Taylor is a 6-3 middle blocker.

Giving thanks: The Cal State Northridge men’s basketball team will honor former Cleveland High and Long Beach State standout Lucious Harris at halftime of the game against Montana State tonight. Harris, who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, has made donations toward Northridge team facilities.

Back on the job: Chatsworth High boys’ soccer Coach Desmond Willows, who had been suspended by school officials since Jan. 31 for arguing with a referee after a match against Granada Hills, was reinstated Friday.