30 Years of Title IX |
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In celebration of Title IX, UWSP is hosting a display of “30 Years of Title IX” in the main lobby of the University Library from April 8-20. Title IX is part of the Education Amendments passed by Congress in 1972 prohibiting discrimination based on sex in Education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.
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As a result of Title IX, women and girls have benefited from expanded athletic opportunities and more equitable facilities. Women who were under 10 when Title IX passed have much higher sports participation rates than women who grew up before Title IX. Fifty-five percent of the “post-Title IX” generation participated in high school sports, compared to 36 percent of the “pre-Title IX” generation. Because of Title IX, more women have received athletic scholarships and thus the opportunity for higher education that would not have been possible otherwise. In fact, many female Olympic athletes credit Title IX for the opportunity to attend college through athletic scholarships and to participate in sports. In addition, because of Title IX the salaries of coaches for women’s teams have increased. |
| Tammy Fuehrer, a Senior Biology major from Auburndale, studies the Title IX exhibit (Photo courtesy of UWSP News Services). |
While Title IX has resulted in notable advances in women’s athletics, the impact has gone well beyond athletics in covering state and local agencies that receive US Department of Education funds. Included are approximately 3200 colleges and universities, 16,000 local school districts, 5000 for-profit schools as well as libraries and museums. Last year Bernice Sandler, one of the driving forces behind Title IX, spoke at UWSP sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how Title IX actually became law. Her story can be found at: http://bernicesandler.com/id44.htm.
The display consists of numerous upright panels detailing the history of Title IX and a resulting account of 30 years of success for girls and women. It is being brought to UWSP by Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership (WWHEL) and UWSP Athletics.
Additional resources:
- Search Google News for Title IX
- Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972