Two women really want to attend a men-only high school fundraiser featuring former baseball great Pete Rose.
So much so, they’re suing over it.
Christina Osborn and Jessica Hillyer have retained the help of American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana so they’ll be allowed to attend the fundraiser benefiting the Lawrenceburg High School Athletic Department dubbed the “first ever Lawrenceburg Sports Stag.”
“My first reaction was, ‘Why men only?'” Osborn said in a statement, according to the Indy Star. “What message is this sending to the students? The school needs to be sent a message that discrimination is not allowed.”
The ACLU filed suit March 23 in U.S. District Court, alleging the fundraiser rules violate the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
“There is no governmental interest that justifies the school corporation’s exclusion of women from this event,” said ACLU of Indiana staff attorney Kelly Eskew. “It is unfortunate that the school chose to incorporate gender stereotyping into an event that should be a fun experience for all who want to support their public high school’s athletics program.”
According to the paper, after the group announced its suit, organizers changed the event to allow women over 21 to attend.
The district released a statement:
“In lieu of today’s events the Lawrenceburg High School Sports Stag, will now be termed a Sports Social and Women over the age of 21 will be able to buy tickets. This decision was made so that we do not lose focus of the goal here, which is to raise money for the Lawrenceburg High School Athletics Department that will benefit all student athletes.
All men and women are welcome to purchase a ticket and come to support the school through the silent and live auctions, and purchasing memorabilia. This was not about shutting anyone out but creating an event that was new to Lawrenceburg and raising money for the school. Anyone still wanting a ticket can call starting next Monday to reserve their seat. Thank you for your continued support of Lawrenceburg High School Athletics.”
The event features dinner, drinks, sports memorabilia, auctions and a speech and Q&A session with Rose to benefit the school corporation’s athletic program.
The women’s intention is to “stop the school corporation from excluding women.”
Eagle County 99.3 reports the event will be held April 8.
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