Title IX: 37 Words That Transformed Women’s Athletics
Title IX is the landmark legislation that opened doors for girls and women in sports. Part of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational institutions that receive federal aid.
The law covers participants, such as staff and students, in any educational institution or program receiving federal funds, including local school districts, colleges and universities, for-profit schools, and career and technical education programs. When it comes to athletics, schools are required to provide equal athletic opportunities to all students regardless of sex.
Title IX 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.
Celebrating 50 Years of Title IX
Title IX-Themed Activities
Word | PDF
Elementary | Secondary
Title IX – A Look Back
Through the years, SHAPE America’s peer-reviewed journal, JOPERD, has published several items relating to Title IX. Take a look back at three editorials that were published on previous Title IX anniversaries.
Title IX Resources
- Unlevel Playing Fields — A series of articles and videos based on a four-month investigation into Title IX and high school sports by students at the Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism and Howard Center for Investigative Journalism.
- 37 Words: Title IX and Fifty Years of Sex Discrimination — A new book by journalist Sherry Boschert
- TitleIX.info — Resources and information curated by the National Women’s Law Center
- Women’s Sports Foundation — Lots of information about Title IX
- Let Her Learn: Stopping School Pushout for Girls of Color (National Women’s Law Center)
- NCAA Sports Sponsorship and Participation Rates Report
- NCAA Perceived Barriers for Ethnic Minority Females in Collegiate Athletic Careers
- Women’s Sports Foundation Impact Report
From Our Blog
Megaera Regan
Rules, Uniforms, and Play Space – Oh My!
Becky Foellmer
Playing Sports Is What I Was Meant to Do
Amanda Amtmanis
Speaking Up for Equal Opportunity as a High School Student
Chuck Corbin
Leveling the Field at Kansas State University
Susan Kaplowitz
The Personal Perspective of a Female Athlete and Coach
Shawn Ladda
Penn State Women’s Soccer
Member Spotlight
The Unstoppable Dr. Jo: Title IX Advocate and Pioneer
This 2022 documentary from Nebraska Public Media Foundation is a portrait of Title IX advocate Dr. JoAnne Owens-Nauslar, Ed. D., athlete, teacher, coach, fitness expert, and SHAPE America member who shares her perspective of competing on and off the field before, during, and in the 50 years since Title IX became law.
