PUBLIC INFORMATION — The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) would become subject to the California Public Records Act under Assemblywoman Audra Strickland's AB 352, introduced February 19.

The Ventura County Republican's measure would state the intent of the Legislature that the federation "(c)omply with the California Public Records Act . . ."  According to her office, at her request the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media held a informational hearing last week to look into the policies of the CIF and its ability to punish school districts, schools, students and school employees.

In light of the sanctions imposed by the CIF against Franklin High School in the Stockton Unified School District, the committee explored the fairness of CIF decisions and whether some form of regulation or oversight is needed to keep CIF accountable.
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    "The CIF does a very good job at promoting athletic activities in our schools as well as ensuring that high school sports competition throughout the state is fair and safe," said Strickland. "However, because CIF policies and decisions can have such a great impact on the lives of students and school employees, it is important that there is the appropriate accountability and oversight."
    "Most troubling to me is how the sanctions against Franklin School will affect the innocent football players as well as athletes in other sports, who may be hoping to improve their chances of getting to the college or university of their choice through a sports scholarship," continued Strickland.

All league, section, and state meetings "affiliated with" the CIF are already subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act.