50+ years ago, a few tiny lines of legislation sparked a revolution that has continued to shape the world of sports—especially for women and girls. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 may be brief, but its impact has been monumental.
What exactly is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. While it applies broadly across academics, hiring, and admissions, it is most publicly known for its effects on athletics.
The exact language reads:
“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.”
What the heck does this mean? The actual interpretation.
Schools can’t treat students differently because they’re a boy or a girl, or based on their gender identity, if that school receives money from the federal government. This applies to everything a school offers, from academics to sports, admissions, and even hiring decisions. This is why girls and women now have significantly more opportunities to play sports in high school and college, and schools are required to provide them with equitable treatment and opportunities in sports.
Title IX prohibits sexual harassment and assault, discrimination against pregnant and parenting students, and schools can’t discriminate against students because they are pregnant or have children. Additionally gender-based discrimination in academics is also prohibited.
One aspect of Title IX that seems to be familiar to the masses is how it actually pertains to college scholarships. This is an area where discrimination on the basis of gender is applied. Any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, including the awarding of athletic scholarships. Colleges must ensure that these dollars are awarded to female and male student-athletes in proportion to their participation rate While not requiring identical dollar amounts or an equal number of scholarships; it is mandated that the total amount of athletic scholarships and financial assistance made available to each sex is substantially proportionate to their respective numbers of participants.
In essence, Title IX is a powerful tool designed to ensure everyone has a fair shot at getting an education and participating fully in school life, regardless of their sex.
Why Was It Created?
In the early 1970s, opportunities for women in sports were severely limited. Fewer than 300,000 girls played high school sports compared to over 3.5 million boys. College scholarships for women were rare. Facilities, coaching, and funding were often drastically unequal. Title IX was enacted to “level the playing field”across the ENTIRE educational experience.
This was not about giving girls a “leg up”; but removing the barriers that had been holding them back for generations.
What Has Title IX Done for Athletics?
Since its passing, Title IX has completely transformed the landscape of sports participation:
- Today, more than 3.4 million girls participate in high school sports—an increase of over 1,000%.
- Women now make up over 44% of NCAA athletes, compared to just 15% in 1972.
- Colleges have expanded women’s teams, facilities, scholarships, and coaching opportunities.
- Title IX has also helped to create a generation of confident, competitive women—even beyond the field
It’s not just about fairness in sport. It’s about leadership, self-worth, resilience, opportunity, and access.
How Is This Enforced?
Title IX is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). (Half of the major state offices that also represented a region have been closed, creating a potential delay in compliancy) Schools are required to comply in several key areas:
- Participation Opportunities – Are female and male students provided equitable chances to play?
- Scholarships – Are athletic scholarships awarded proportionally?
- Equal Treatment – Are there fair facilities, equipment, scheduling, coaching, and publicity?
Students or parents can file complaints if they believe a school is not compliant. Investigations may follow, and schools can risk losing federal funding if they fail to address issues.
What Title IX Isn’t
While Title IX has opened countless doors, there are still many misconceptions about what the law actually requires. Here’s what Title IX is not:
- It’s not a requirement for schools to have the same number of teams for boys and girls: Title IX requires equal opportunity, not identical programming. Schools must ensure that participation opportunities are proportionate to enrollment, or show they’re actively expanding opportunities for the underrepresented sex.
- It’s not about cutting men’s sports: Sometimes schools eliminate men’s teams and claim it’s “because of Title IX.” In reality, Title IX doesn’t mandate cuts—it mandates fairness. If men’s programs are cut, it’s often due to budget decisions, not the law itself. Blaming Title IX shifts the focus away from the school’s funding priorities.
- It’s not just about athletics: While Title IX is best known for its impact on sports, it also addresses sex discrimination in academics, admissions, financial aid, and protection from sexual harassment and assault in education settings. Its reach is broad and continues to evolve with our understanding of equity.
- This is not a “girls-only” law: Title IX protects everyone. Boys, men, and nonbinary students are also protected from sex-based discrimination under this law. The goal is inclusion and fairness—not favoritism.
- Title IX applies only to federally funded schools, not pro sports or community races. Gaps in participation or recognition outside education aren’t usually due to intentional discrimination, but reflect evolving access and support.
Are Schools Still Falling Short?
Yup. Unfortunately. Many schools—especially at the high school level. Some offer significantly fewer sports for girls or underfund female programs. Others allocate disproportionate resources, or fail to provide equal coaching or training opportunities.
There are also persistent challenges around sexual harassment and equity in coaching hires and admin leadership. Over 50 years later, Title IX remains a promise and a work in progress. Now what?
Exemptions?
Private undergraduate universities are exempt from Title IX’s prohibition on discrimination in admissions but are still governed by other Title IX regulations, including those related to scholarships, if they receive any federal financial assistance
Why Title IX Still Matters
In a time when equity continues to be debated, Title IX is a powerful reminder that access, opportunity, and dignity are not luxuries—they are rights. It’s not just a law. It’s a call to action.
We owe it to every girl lacing up her shoes, pulling on a jersey, and believing she belongs—because she does.
How can you help?
- Financial support: Donate to organizations dedicated to promoting and supporting women’s and girls’ sports. Check out Women’s Sports Foundation, share some others too!
- Advocacy and community engagement
- Speak out for opportunities in sports and education.
- Engage with and follow women’s sports content
- Attend women’s sports events to show support
- Educate yourself
- Advocate for increased media coverage
- Active participation and volunteering
- Coach or volunteer (*And share your story!)
- Organize or participate in specific events
- Start or join a club creating opportunities
- Education and awareness; like now, by reading this!
So you made it to the ending, or the beginning…
Tell me what is your plan? Let’s catch some games!