Group alleges girls-only science camps violate civil rights of boys

Banners outside Pacific Science Center read, “Science needs women.”

So, in addition to camps designed for all kids, the center offers what it describes on its website as “girls-focused summer camps.”

PacSci’s website says the camps “help girls boost confidence, build supportive friendships, and become inspired by female leaders and role models.”

Around the country, science camps designed for girls are common to address the underrepresentation of women in science and technology fields.

“The Pacific Science Center has been doing this for some time now and because they receive federal funding we do believe that they are violating the equal protections clause,” said Sean Kullman of the Global Initiative for Boys and Men.

Kullman said his organization filed a complaint with the federal Office for Civil Rights.

“We definitely believe that boys and girls should have the same opportunities and when there are girl-only opportunities and not boy-only opportunities, we believe they’re violating the civil rights of boys,” Kullman said.

The science center’s website says, “While these camp sessions are intended for girls and/or gender non-conforming youth, we would never, and have never, excluded a boy from participating in these programs, should they have the interest.”

In a statement, Pacific Science Center said some programs represent efforts to provide additional support to underserved groups.

PacSci said it is especially proud of programming serving youth who have historically been underrepresented in STEM fields.

Cox Media Group