Today, on The Wire, we celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of Title IX. As a company with a vested interest in seeing the athletic success of all genders, Title IX is revolutionary to the team at Signing Day Sports. 

About Title IX

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that was passed in 1972. The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. It applies to all aspects of education, including athletics. 

In order to comply with the laws laid out, colleges and universities must provide equal opportunities for men and women in athletics. This often means providing equal funding for men’s and women’s sports, as well as equal access to facilities and resources. 

The Impact of title IX on COllege athletics

Title IX has had a massive impact on the landscape of college athletics. Before the law was passed, women’s sports were largely ignored by colleges and universities. Today, however, women’s sports are an integral part of many colleges’ athletic programs. 

“It’s one of the best things to happen in sports. Competing at the highest level is many young girls’ dream. With the opportunities that I was given, I can now share that experience with the next generation and teach them how life-changing competing in collegiate athletics can be,” said Corrin Green, a recent collegiate softball player who competed at the D-I level for five years with New Mexico State and Cal State Northridge. Now, Green coaches softball to impart the same values that she learned in her athletic career to future collegiate athletes. 

Title IX has also led to an increase in participation in college athletics overall. According to the NCAA, nearly 430,000 women and girls participate in NCAA-sponsored sports at the collegiate level. This is up from just over 30,000 in 1971-72, the year before it was enacted. 

Women have also made great strides in education and leadership in the 50 years since the law was passed. Today, female students are attending college at higher rates than ever before. Women are serving as principals, coaches, and professors at institutions across the country. 

“Without Title IX, I would have never been given the opportunity to further my education while receiving equal opportunity on the field, in the classroom, and now as a coach,” said Green. “It’s amazing to see how far women’s sports have come. All the blood, sweat, and tears will not go unnoticed. Thank you, Title IX.”

Title IX has truly transformed the educational and athletic landscape in America, providing equal opportunities for all students regardless of their gender. As we celebrate the 50-year anniversary of this groundbreaking law, let us recommit to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.