Title IX

Chapter 6: Unintended Consequences of Title IX (20:09)

In its attempt to create equal access, Title IX unintentionally resulted in a decrease in opportunities for some racial minorities, fewer junior varsity teams, the expectation of sport specialization, and the elimination of some sports that had been popular in pre-Title IX women’s athletics programs. Also discussed are the effects of merged athletics programs and the popular misconception that Title IX has caused the elimination of some men’s sports teams.

Featuring: Neil Abercrombie, Christine Brennan, Linda Carpenter, Carol Cartwright, Pamela Forman, Sue Hager, Vikki Krane, Donna Lopiano, Janet Parks, Teresa Lawrence Phillips

Chapter 7: Fulfilling the Promise of Title IX (14:04)

Although Title IX was enacted in 1972, its promise has not yet been fulfilled. Areas of noncompliance include educational inequities that result in male dominance in some professions, overt resistance to the mandates of Title IX, lack of enforcement of Title IX at federal and local levels, failure of professional preparation programs to teach prospective teachers about gender equity, and the need for university presidents to take a greater responsibility in compliance. Speakers implore students and educators to speak up for equal opportunity for girls and women.

Featuring: Lucinda W. Adams, Carol Cartwright, Leslie Heywood, Donna Lopiano, Jocelyn Samuels, Bernice Sandler, Christine Shelton, Sharon Shields

Chapter 8: The 2002-2003 Commission on Opportunity in Athletics (22:13)

In response to concerns about alleged negative effects of Title IX on men’s intercollegiate athletics programs, the U.S. Secretary of Education established a commission to examine the three-pronged compliance test. Topics include procedural irregularities, the initial report, the minority report, the final conclusions, and the “additional clarification” that was issued in 2005. Important revelations include the facts that football does not make a profit at most schools and that men, not women, insisted upon the controversial proportionality prong.

Featuring: Birch Bayh, Christine Brennan, Deborah Slaner Larkin, Donna Lopiano, Don Sabo, Jocelyn Samuels, Bernice Sandler, Athena Yiamouyiannis

Chapter 9: Acosta & Carpenter: Research We Can Count On (11:14)

In 1977, Vivian Acosta and Linda Carpenter conducted the first investigation in a line of studies of women’s opportunities in intercollegiate athletics. Across the years, data have revealed an increase in the numbers of female participants but a decrease in the numbers of women coaches and administrators. Possible reasons for these findings and suggestions for the future are presented.

Featuring: Vivian Acosta, Linda Carpenter