Title IX, a History Lesson

Women's education matters. In 1972, Title IX amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 through these words. 

"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."

Finally implemented in 1975, the law changed the landscape of women's sports. Madeleine Blais defined the impact with In These Girls Hope Is a Muscle:

"Coaches were given better salaries. Schedules became more competitive, equipment upgraded, practice time more equitable, and more college scholarships were made available...in 1983 there was a major setback for women's athletics. Title IX was temporarily disemboweled by the U.S. Supreme Court...in Grove City College vs. Bell...ruled that the laws provisions did not apply to athletics. Then Congress passed (over Ronald Reagan's veto) the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988, which made clear that Title IX did apply to athletics." Between delayed implementation and Grove City College vs Bell, eight of the first sixteen years of Title IX lacked implementation. 

Blais continued, "Through basketball women can learn what it is to make a commitment to themselves as well as a team...and they will know they can be a leader without being a star. Women who play basketball have more self-confidence and self-esteem." Grove City College vs Bell, Title IX missed EIGHT years of implementation of the first sixteen. 

Contemporary athletes should understand that Title IX helped level the playing field. I never saw my sister compete in high school sports. Girls' and women's sports never got credibility or media attention in the 1970s. 

Winning creates interest and attention. Over time, girls volleyball (ten sectional titles and a state championship) and previously girls basketball 

with nine consecutive league championships including five undefeated seasons developed loyal followings. 

Equality creates opportunity, raising the quality and standard of performance. Without Title IX, women's sports almost certainly remains hidden in the shadows. That's a loss for all of us. 

Lagniappe. Set straighter. 

Lagniappe 2. Set better. The setter is the quarterback of the team. Excellent setting is the springboard for success.