U.S. District Judge Charles Kornmann has issued a preliminary injunction in response to a lawsuit against the Sioux Falls School District, which had cut the gymnastics program.
The ruling mandates that the school district cannot sell any gymnastics equipment and must continue providing the program while the case proceeds.
The injunction prohibits the district from restricting or denying access to facilities, coaching, training, or competitive opportunities for the gymnastics program.
The judge’s ruling acknowledges the athletes’ potential irreparable harm and the possibility of a Title IX violation, while also noting that the administrative burden on the district is minimal.
Additionally, the district’s superintendent and athletics coordinator were dismissed from the lawsuit as Title IX claims cannot be brought against individual officials.
The upcoming gymnastics season is set to begin on October 30, 2023.