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Title IX Marks 40 Years


National Girls and Women in Sports Day is marking the 40thanniversary of the passage of the landmark equal rights law known as Title IX.

In honor of one of the most important pieces of federal legislation ever to impact high school and collegiate athletics, “Title IX at 40: In it for the Long Run,” is the theme of the 26th Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) on Wednesday, February 1. Across the country, thousands will host local, state and national events to begin the year’s celebration of the accomplishments and strides of girls and women in sport over the past 40 years.

When planning an event for students, schools should consider including all subject areas to make NGWSD an inclusive event. At NGWSD Central,schools will find creative suggestions for student activities such as researching and writing about notable female athletes, conducting a photography contest, and hosting a special 5K walk or 10K run.

Gina Carano
Before Title IX, female athletes like Gina Carano did not get the same opportunities to participate in sports as their male counterparts.

“Despite the advances made since Title IX was enacted into law on June 23, 1972, high school girls still receive 1.3 million fewer participation opportunities than boys, and evidence suggests that the money spent on girls' sports programs falls significantly behind the money spent on boys' programs,” said Boise State Professor Lynda Ransdell, president of the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport. “On February 1, we want to increase visibility for female athletes and advance their struggle for equality in sports, while celebrating our successes.”

Title IX of the Education Amendments of1972states that, “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...”

In Washington, D.C., the coalition will host a panel of girls and women in sport, featuring speakers that range in experience from Chief Economist Betsey Stevenson to Secretary Hilda L. Solis of the U.S. Department of Labor. Discussions will examine the economic impact of participation in sports.


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