Like countless families across our city, we were thrilled and proud when our daughters joined the high school's soccer team. We anticipated fierce competition, thrilling triumphs, and inevitable setbacks. What we did not expect was the unfair conditions they have to endure... simply for being girls. Unlike their male counterparts who enjoy a spacious locker room, the girls are expected to change in an unfit classroom or a tiny office space. One of which has no air conditioning. This is a clear discrepancy in treatment and we see it as a disheartening disregard for our daughters’ comfort, dignity and their legitimate part in school-life.

Moreover, we've learned that the girls' team doesn't have consistency to the main field for their practice sessions—a resource that should be available to all students regardless of their gender. A study by Women's Sports Foundation found that equal access to athletic resources helps foster self-esteem and leadership skills in young girls. Surely, our daughters, like all students, deserve these complete sports experiences.

We are calling on the school administrators to take immediate steps to address this disparity. Ensure that the girls' soccer team has access to adequate changing facilities and equal opportunity to use the main field for practice. By doing so, our school can truly stand for equality, fairness, and the fostering of all students' potential.

We implore all parents, students, and community members who believe in fairness and equal opportunities for all to sign this petition. Together, we can make a difference. It's time to guarantee equitable facilities for the girls' soccer team at Bell Gardens high school. Please sign this petition today!