An Introduction to Title IX and its Application to Intercollegiate Athletics

The Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 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." This law applies to any institution that receives federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.

When Title IX of the Education Amendments Act was passed into law in 1972, it was not initially designed to specifically address interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics. However, since sports are a major component of most U.S. institutions of higher education, Title IX has applied to numerous aspects of educational sport. Gender equity in college sport became a political and legal issue with the passing of Title IX, therefore, policy to ensure that opportunities exist for both genders was enacted to be fair in delivering opportunities for both men and women.

Title IX is not perfect, but the positive changes it has had on intercollegiate athletics is undeniable. Despite the lack of understanding surrounding this law, Americans have been shown to be in dramatic approval of the Title IX and its corresponding enforcement. As a father, Title IX has made it possible for my daughters to have the same scholarship opportunities that my son will have. Additionally, Title IX has made this country a better, and safer, place for them. Even though there will always be critics who argue that Title IX has forced the closure of men’s teams across the country, Title IX has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on both sports and society.