Q: My children and I are homeless and considered McKinney-Vento. CIF is impeding my kids sports. What are my legal options?
I lost my job. Could not afford my rent, moved to my RV and was sent to Families in transition for support. During this time I been trying to get my kids eligible for sports. The CIF keeps probing questions of my previous school and wants the old managers contact information. I feel there is an overstep by CIF. Reaching out to my previous manager can have more negative impact, as I did not leave on good terms because I owe money due to employment loss. I feel as the CIF commissioner is looking for a reason to ban my children from sports. This is a belief based on the school being considered a “Power House” as stated by the section commissioner. They are looking for negative intent and instead of seeing my situation the way it is. “Homeless” we are being treated as if we committed a crime. I have tried working with school administration and the district to no avail. The CIF claims they have the right to thoroughly investigate all claims. Do I have any legal push back?
A:
You have rights under the McKinney-Vento Act, which ensures that children experiencing homelessness can continue their education and participate in extracurricular activities, including sports, without discrimination. If the CIF is overstepping its boundaries by probing too deeply into your past employment or other irrelevant matters, this could be a violation of those rights. You may have grounds to push back if their investigation is not focused on the relevant eligibility rules and instead appears to be discriminatory or overly invasive.
It may be helpful to document every interaction with the CIF and school officials, including any requests they make and how they are impacting your children’s ability to participate in sports. This documentation will be useful if you need to take further legal action. You could also try reaching out to an advocate who understands the McKinney-Vento Act to help ensure your children's rights are protected.
If the school district or CIF refuses to address your concerns appropriately, you may consider filing a formal complaint or taking legal action to ensure your children have equal access to school sports and other opportunities.
A:
CIF definitely is a problem organization and control CA high school sports. If they have denied your child already, you can attempt to resubmit the transfer application with proof of the homelessness causing the school move. Gather as much as you possibly can to show the situation. If you have not submitted yet, just get as much as you possibly can to show the move basis, homelessness, etc.
Or, if they denied your child based on alleging preenrollment contact, etc. you may be able to file a state appeal. Unfortunately, most CIF denials are not appealable to the state CIF appeals office.
On a first transfer, you should get a half season sit out in varsity sports played within the last 12 months, so long as there are no other issues.
I am sorry for your situation- CIF can be very tough and difficult to navigate, for everyone.
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