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HR 38

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO MEET THE CRITERIA NECESSARY TO OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZE CHEERLEADING AS A TITLE IX SPORT IN HAWAII.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 16 co-sponsors

Hawaii urges its Department of Education to officially recognize cheerleading as a Title IX sport, ensuring equitable funding and protections for cheer programs statewide.

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Bill Summary · HR 38

Legislative bill overview

HR 38 urges the Hawaii Department of Education to officially recognize cheerleading as a Title IX sport. This is a non-binding resolution that requests the state education department take action to classify cheerleading under Title IX protections, which would require schools to provide equivalent athletic opportunities and resources for cheer programs comparable to other sports.

Why is this important

Title IX recognition would legally require schools to provide equitable funding, scholarships, coaching, and facilities for cheerleading programs. Currently, many cheerleading programs operate outside Title IX protections, meaning schools have no legal obligation to fund them equally or count them toward gender equity requirements. Official recognition could significantly impact resource allocation and athlete protections across Hawaii's schools.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition challenges: Determining whether cheerleading is primarily a sport versus a performance/sideline activity, which affects Title IX applicability and could create disputes about classification standards
  • Budget implications: Schools may resist if official recognition requires proportional spending increases, potentially redirecting funds from existing sports programs
  • Competitive equity concerns: Questions about whether cheerleading teams would compete athletically under Title IX (some programs focus on sideline support rather than competition), creating ambiguity about implementation requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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