Title IX is the landmark legislation that opened doors for girls and women in sports. Part of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational institutions that receive federal aid.
The law covers participants, such as staff and students, in any educational institution or program receiving federal funds, including local school districts, colleges and universities, for-profit schools, and career and technical education programs. When it comes to athletics, schools are required to provide equal athletic opportunities to all students regardless of sex.
Title IX states:
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.
Through the years, SHAPE America’s peer-reviewed journal, JOPERD, has published several items relating to Title IX. Take a look back at three editorials that were published on previous Title IX anniversaries.