The cost of a student's swimsuit in Lincoln-Way High School District 210 has come under scrutiny by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, according to a letter the district received from the federal agency.

The complaint alleged that the district subjected female students to discrimination by charging them more than male students for swimsuits for physical education classes, and failed to meet Title IX requirements by not properly disseminating information about nondiscrimination, the Jan. 23 letter said. A student had complained about the alleged problem.

Since the district receives Title IX funds, it is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of sex in any education program or activity, according to the letter, written by OCR supervisory attorney Marcela Sanchez-Aguilar.

The Daily Southtown acquired a copy of the letter from the district through a Freedom of Information Act request.

According to the letter, the district was required to explain why it charges females more than males for the swimsuits, if it marks up the costs and why there is a difference in price.

It also requested copies of the district's policies that prohibit discrimination, its grievance procedures for handling such complaints and how this information is communicated to parents and students.

Superintendent Scott Tingley said the district has responded to the complaint and expects an early resolution.

Ever since the school district made swimming part of its physical education classes, it has offered swimsuits for sale "as a convenience" to families, at prices "much lower" than the manufacturer's suggested retail price, he said.

"It's never been an issue," he said. "Boys' suits are not as expensive."

Boys are charged $25 for swim gear, and girls, $40, he said, adding that retail prices are $38 and $65 respectively, giving girls a larger discount than boys.

The district does not control the costs of the suits and does not generate revenue from the sales, Tingley said. The district does add on shipping and handling costs, and any costs incurred with stocking them and keeping an inventory.

"It is done as a convenience to families," he said, noting that students are not required to buy the swimsuits that the district makes available.

This shit has become unbearable. Is there any doubt why Trump was elected?

It is pretty unbearable that the school would charge girls $40 for a swimsuit.

It is pretty unbearable that the school would charge girls $40 for a swimsuit.