Investigation Clears Richmond High School of Gender Discrimination, Lawyer Concludes

News Summary

An investigation into the incident between Richmond High School’s girls’ volleyball team and boys’ basketball team found no evidence of gender discrimination. Attorney Jonathan Mayes led the inquiry after allegations arose regarding gym facility access and scheduling confusion. The investigation concluded that administrative oversights, rather than discrimination, were to blame. In response, the school will undertake a Title IX audit to ensure equitable access to athletic resources for all teams.

Investigation Clears Richmond High School of Gender Discrimination in Volleyball and Basketball Incident

On September 24, 2024, a confrontation erupted between the girls’ volleyball team and the boys’ basketball team at Richmond High School, shaking the foundation of its athletic programs. Tensions flared over the use of gym facilities, sparking an inquiry into allegations of gender discrimination that were later methodically investigated.

Details of the Confrontation

The conflict ignited when volleyball players arrived for practice at the Tiernan Center, only to find the boys’ basketball team occupying the space. Adding to the chaos, the volleyball court lines were reportedly missing from the auxiliary gym, leading to suspicions that the basketball team had tampered with their setup. Fortunately, it was revealed that a janitorial error was the culprit behind the absent lines.

Richmond Community Schools (RCS) took immediate action and enlisted attorney Jonathan Mayes from Bose McKinney & Evans LLP to examine the incident. His investigation, which concluded that there was no evidence of gender discrimination, was discussed during a school board meeting on February 26, 2025. The investigation encompassed interviews with coaches and athletic department personnel, as well as a review of written statements, emails, texts, schedules, and video footage pertinent to the gym usage dispute.

Understanding the Scheduling Confusion

Mayes’ meticulous inquiry revealed that communication regarding practice schedules is typically established a month prior to each sports season. Coaches relay their proposed schedules verbally to Assistant Athletic Director Rachel Etherington, while changes are implemented through Eventlink, a public software platform designed to promote transparency. However, oversight existed within the administration when Athletic Director Robert Lee, along with assistant athletic directors Etherington and Billy Wright—who also coached the boys’ basketball team—modified schedules without consulting the volleyball coaches.

The schedule strain became evident when volleyball coach Darrell Morken initially moved his practices to the auxiliary gym at his request in late August. However, once boys’ basketball began their limited contact practices on September 2, they made a request for the larger Tiernan Center to accommodate their needs. On September 10, a change in the boys’ basketball schedule took place, but without any prior consultation with Morken or the volleyball team. Lee later acknowledged that this lack of communication was a significant error.

Administrative Oversight and Title IX Concerns

This incident drew scrutiny from the community, leading to complaints filed with the Office for Civil Rights concerning treatment and access to facilities for the volleyball team. One player, Katie Mathena, expressed the team’s frustrations regarding gym access and a perceived consistent pattern of inequality throughout the season.

In reaction to the controversy, RCS initiated a broader Title IX audit of Richmond High School’s athletic programs, reviewing equipment, scheduling, facilities, and promotional efforts. Conducted by Church, Church, Hittle + Antrim, this audit comes with a projected cost of $19,000, which could rise if the scope of analysis expands.

Moving Forward

Although the investigation cleared the school of discrimination, school board member John Weber voiced disappointment regarding the failure of adults to navigate the situation effectively. Emphasizing the need for improved communication, school administrators acknowledged that proper scheduling procedures must be implemented to avert similar disputes in the future.

The volleyball team, demonstrating resilience and unity, chose to continue their season in support of Coach Morken, who had faced administrative leave during the aftermath of the incident. RCS consistently encouraged patience and understanding from the community as the investigations were carried out, asserting their compliance with IHSAA mandates while attending to the needs of all student-athletes.

As Richmond High School navigates this challenging period, the focus remains on fostering a supportive and equitable environment for its athletes, ensuring that future generations can participate in sports without the cloud of miscommunication and misunderstanding.