The California state government has allocated nearly $200,000 to Syryn Records, an entity under Girls Rock SB, a non-profit organization. This funding has raised questions due to Syryn Records’ exclusive internship opportunities for women and “gender expansive” youth, which seems to conflict with anti-discrimination laws.
Girls Rock SB, having received over $183,000 from the California Arts Council, a state agency, focuses on providing opportunities for those who self-identify as girls, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), or as gender expansive. Syryn Records, as a part of this non-profit, has similar criteria for both its internship and staff positions, emphasizing the need for female and gender-expansive individuals, citing their underrepresentation in the music industry.
David Bernstein, a law professor at George Mason University, noted that such selective programs might contravene Title VII’s prohibition against race-based discrimination. He added that state funding could potentially create obligations for the state to withdraw support and may impose additional legal non-discrimination responsibilities on the entity.
One of the recent grants to Girls Rock SB, earmarked for “creative youth development,” acknowledges the non-profit’s dedication to “gender-expansive youth.” The organization’s mission is to empower these groups through music education, the creative arts, community, and mentorship. Since its inception in 2012, Girls Rock SB has been committed to altering the landscape of artistic spaces, particularly the music industry, which lacks representation from female and gender-expansive voices, especially those from marginalized communities, including women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Despite its stated goals of inclusivity and empowerment, the approach of Girls Rock SB and its project Syryn Records, supported by state funds, continues to spark debate over the balance between fostering diversity and adhering to anti-discrimination laws. Neither Girls Rock SB nor the California Arts Council responded to inquiries for comments on this matter.