What is Title IX…and Why is it Important?
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What is Title IX? ~Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a United States law that amended the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It states that no person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. ~It’s original intentions were geared toward education opportunities, and not until recently has the implementation of Title IX in sports teams become an issue.
Quick History of Title IX: ~ In 1969, activist Bernice Sandler used the Executive Order to help her fight for her job at the University of Maryland. Using statistics from the university, she was able to show how female employment at the university had dropped due to their replacement by men. Sandler went to the Department of Labor’s Office for Federal Fair Contracts Compliance and was told to file a formal complaint.
Inequalities specifically in pay and rank were cited in her complaints as Sandler began to file them against numerous other colleges along with the University of Maryland. Working with women’s activist groups, she filed 250 complaints against colleges/universities.
	Bernice Sandler http://www.mnsu.edu/leadercast/ wleaders/sandler.html
In 1970, Sandler joined Representative Edith Green’s Subcommittee on Higher Education and sat in on the congressional hearings discussing women’s rights. It was here that Green and Sandler first proposed Title IX. Title IX was drafted and introduced by Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink, with the assistance of Congresswoman Green. Their focus was on the hiring and employment practices of federally financed institutions. It was passed into law on June 23, 1972.
Edith Green Image Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Patsy Mink http://www.now.org/history/patsymink.html
What are the regulations for implementing Title IX in sports and evaluating equality? ~ The selection of sports and competition must meet the interests/skill levels of both gender groups. ~The equipment/supplies for the sports teams. ~Game and practice schedules. ~Travel and per diem (money given per person, used toward food purchases) allowances. ~Math tutoring and coaching opportunities. ~Compensation of coaches and tutors for the teams. ~Provision of locker rooms and facilities for both games and practices. ~Provision of medical and training facilities/services. ~Provision of housing and dining facilities and services. ~Amount of publicity received.
Index: Softball’s Great History The Bonnies History Meet the Coaches: Meeting up with Coach Threehouse and Coach Matz Notable Bonnies and Moments Meet the Bonnies (Past and Present) McGraw Jennings Field The Question of Title IX More on Title IX Photo Gallery