Happy Birthday, Title IX

by Christina Carr · 2009-06-23 07:05:00 UTC
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Today is the 47th Anniversary of Title IX, arguably one of the most important pieces of legislature regarding women's rights. Though for many, mention of the act conjures images of female athletes, Title IX banned gender discrimination from all education programs and extracurricular activities in federally funded schools and school programs. In honor of this anniversary, I encourage you to learn more about the Act, and the legislation arising from it.

For starters, some quick facts:

Full Name: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, or The Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act

Date Enacted: June 23, 1972

The Gist: "No person in the United States 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."

Areas covered: All educational and school programs and activities that receive federal funds. This can include academics, access to school-related healthcare services, dormitory facilities, school-related athletics, school-related activities and clubs, assignment to classrooms, employment policies, treatment of teen parents, and standardized testing.

Areas not covered: Social fraternities and sororities, sex-specific youth clubs (such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts)

The Results: Before Title IX, women made up only 2% of college athletes. In 2001, 43% of college athletes were women.  Likewise, before Title IX, women made up only 7% of high school athletes. In 2001, 41.5% of high school athletes were women.

Before Title IX, 42% of college students were women. During the 2003-2004 school year, 57% of college students were women.

Title IX in Court: Title IX has frequently been challenged in court, but the Supreme Court has upheld the act and even expanded its reach. In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled in Franklin v. Gwinnett County Public Schools that students who are victims of sexual harassment and discrimination could be rewarded monetary damages. In 2005, the Supreme Court ruled in Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education that Title IX prevents schools from retaliating against individuals who protest gender discrimination.

For those who are legal-minded, the full text of the statute can be found here.

For some interesting statistics, check out the Feminist Majority Foundation's Title IX Fact Page.

To keep up to date with the latest cases arising from Title IX and for some interesting and timely discussion regarding the act, be sure to visit the Title IX Blog.

Christina Carr
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