Title IX Under Attack

Title IX (Title 9) passed into law in 1972 and was intended to give both males & females equal participation and opportunities in federally funded institutions. Title IX is not just for athletics, but equal access for pregnant & parenting students, employment, and many other important areas. Title IX has increaded woman & girls particiaption in sports dramatically from 1972 (see graph below). As gymnasts, coaches & fans title IX has been important in creating/saving many womans gymnastics programs in the past, and hopefully in the future.

Woman's Participation in Intercollegiate Athletics	Womans Participation in High School Athletics

Title IX & womans gymnastics is now under attack. The Department of Education has created a new policy for the purpose of "Clarification". Under this new "Clarification" the only requirement schools have now is to send an email survey to each female student asking if they have interest, and ability to play additional sports. If the female student doesn't respond in a timely mater, the school considers this as no interested. The Department of Education's new policy clearly undermines the intent of the law.

Before the Deparment of Education's new policy, schools made to make serious attemnpts at guaging interest. They spoke to coaches, and used surveys offered by other high schools or colleges in their respected area. Measuring in lack of interest, to lack of recruitment. Texas is a fine example of a high interest in womans gymnastics, but lack of collegiate gymnastics programs. The new Department of Education's policy directly threatens woman's sports and the progress it woman have made in sports.

There is also misinformation regarding Title IX. Recently Title IX was cited as the reason JMU (James Madison University) cut it's woman's gymnastics program. JMU cut seven men's programs, and three woman's programs. Title IX does not in anyway require the cutting of teams in order to demonstrate compliance. If there was a compliance issue, JMU should have simply cut four men's programs, not seven. Title IX was used as a scapegoat by JMU to hide the blatant budget cuts in athletics.

Gymnastics has given most of us quite a bit. Title IX has helped woman's sports for 30+ years. It's time we gave back. Help save Title IX! Visit SaveTitleIX.com, and get involved.

Title IX Resources & Links
Original Title IX Text
TitleIX.info
SaveTitleIX.com