Title IX and Gender Equity

A revolution for women in sports participation began during the administration of President Johnson and the proactive work of the National Organization of Women. It culminated with the signing of Title IX by President Nixon on June 23, 1972.

Title IX benefitted women in a variety of ways, by prohibiting sex discrimination in any education program or activity, within an institution receiving any type of federal funding. Since most public schools and colleges receive federal funding, the immediate impact of Title IX was significant. The law was amended in 1975 and signed into law by President Ford. It specifically included girls and women's sports, including equity in teams, facilities, budget, and scholarships.

Despite the tremendous gains made by female athletes, their current participation in intercollegiate sports remains below pre-Title IX male participation. While more than 170,000 men played college sports in 1971, only about 166,000 women play college sports today. While 53% of the students at Division I schools are women, female athletes in Division I receive just 32% of the funds to recruit new athletes, 37% of total athletics expenditures, 45% of total athletic scholarships, and 44% of the opportunities to play intercollegiate sports.

Assign students to select two specific sports from the Pathfinder listed below. Student should write a report of at least 100 words or a presentation of at five slides on one of the woman athletes from each of the selected sports, citing at least four resources. Students should address at least two of the following essential questions for critical thinking (you may add or substitute others):

• Why did you choose these specific sports and athletes for your report?
  
  
• How important is it to have the opportunity for you to have equal opportunity with boys to participate in sports?
  
  
• How can participation in sports benefit girls and women in other ways besides fitness?
  
  
• What are some other issues of gender equality that you feel strong about and why?

Select the Subject Headings search option > Type "Women's Sports" in the Search box > Click "2. Women in sports (See: Women athletes)" > Select two categories from the listing on the right column, plus an athlete from each category

Your students can use our custom ProQuest models for written and PowerPoint-style reports.

Teachers may be interested in a ProQuest flexible rubrics model for evaluating inquiry-based learning activities.

Educators may also wish to employ the Quizinator Web tool (free, but registration required) for creating a variety of printed resources, including short assessments.