Excerpt from the Dayton Daily News
With 37 words, Title IX changed sports forever in 1972, ushering in a new era for women.
“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.”
There were 300,000 women and girls playing sports at the high school in college level before the landmark legislation and more than 3 million by 2012 when the 40th anniversary of Title IX was celebrated. Today 44 percent of all collegiate athletes are women, according to the Women’s Sports Foundation. That number was 15 percent before Title IX.
The 50th anniversary of Title IX was celebrated Thursday. Across the area, local college coaches, administrators and athletes were asked a simple question as the milestone approached: What does Title IX mean to you?
Joylynn Brown, Wright State Senior Associate AD, Senior Woman Administrator
One important change that has stemmed from Title IX is the requirement that every athletics department designate a senior woman administrator, representing the highest-ranking female in the department. It is significant that young women have a woman in a leadership role to model, and it is also important that the young men we work with see women in a position of power. I supervise men’s sports as well as women’s sports. Having day-to-day contact with student-athletes is a great opportunity for them to see I am as qualified and knowledgeable as my male counterparts. I want to show young women there is a place for them in a professional role in college athletics, coaching and administration. The more we have women in leadership roles, the more we can show everyone that we are equipped and good at it. I am often the only woman at the table in a meeting. Being able to use my voice and give my input is essential. Title IX has given me this seat at the table, and I am so grateful for the women who paved the way for all of us.
Kari Hoffman, Wright State women’s basketball coach
Title IX has been the most important decision to affect the growth of female athletics. I know that, as a player and as a coach, I’ve reaped the benefits of their sacrifices, and we are fortunate to compete in the Title IX era. I’m grateful that we can continue the work of growing our game and increasing opportunities for young women because of Title IX.
