Something weird; apparently it is not legally acceptable in California to have an all men’s or all women’s gym; but, you can have an all boys or an all girls private school?

The existence of all-boys or all-girls private schools, while seemingly at odds with anti-discrimination laws that govern public accommodations, is allowed due to a combination of factors:

1. Private vs. Public Institutions: Private schools, unlike public schools or businesses open to the general public, have more discretion in setting their admission criteria. Public schools are subject to stricter anti-discrimination laws because they are government entities.
2. Historical and Cultural Factors: Historically, single-sex education has been a longstanding practice. Many of these schools have traditions and legacies that predate current anti-discrimination laws. They often continue to operate based on cultural and educational values that support single-sex education.
3. Educational Philosophy: Some educational philosophies argue that single-sex environments can be beneficial for learning, offering an environment tailored to specific developmental and educational needs that some believe differ by gender.
4. Legal Framework: The legal framework in the U.S. generally allows private schools to set their own admission policies, as long as they do not violate certain federal laws. In California, while public accommodations like gyms are required to adhere to anti-discrimination laws like the Unruh Civil Rights Act, private schools operate under different legal considerations.
5. Exceptions and Exemptions: Certain exemptions exist in anti-discrimination laws that allow for single-sex education in private settings. These exemptions recognize the unique role and historical context of private single-sex educational institutions.

For more detailed information on this topic, you can refer to the California Department of Justice website and other educational policy resources.