40th Anniversary of Title IX

What is Title IX? Title IX is a section of the Education Amendments of 1972 that requires equal education opportunities for girls in federally funded educational programs. The purpose of this federal civil rights law also prohibits sex discrimination in education. Although Title IX is best known for breaking down barriers in sports for women and girls, it has also opened the door in 10 key areas: Access to Higher Education, Career Education for Pregnant and Parenting Students, Employment, Learning Environment, Math and Science, Sexual Harassment, Standardized Testing and Technology.

The National Organization for Women, along with other women focused groups have supported this Title and have continuously used it to help address the crisis of sexual harassment and assault on college campuses. During their freshman year of college, 15 percent of women are raped while incapacitated from alcohol or drugs. This statistic about "incapacitated rape" also indicates a pattern. Freshmen who were victims of such assaults before college were at substantial risk of being victimized again, in school and often in their life. Title IX has been integral in holding universities accountable for these assaults that are often overlooked or ignored.

And what it most mind blowing, there were 246 federal Title IX investigations against universities by June 2016.

Title IX is also very important for middle school and high school girls. Girls in this age group are sexually abused at a rate 4.4 times higher than boys, and because of this, their behavioral to this is often criminalized. In schools, often zero-tolerance policies that were put into place before these issues were addressed, often prioritize discipline over educational attainment. And sadly, this affects student of color more than any other race group.

All girls who experience sexual or physical abuse are entitled to equal education and when this is denied, they are most likely drawn into the juvenile justice system thus resulting in a different life than they anticipated.

Wondering how you can help? Start by finding out if your school or university has a Title IX coordinator. Every educational institution that receives Federal funding must have a Title IX representative. You can also start here.

You can also take action in other ways. Start by contacting your Congressional representatives to join with other sports and educational organizations who need your help to achieve gender equity. Click here to get started.

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Until next time, be united!