Title 9

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Title IX: Good for women or bad for men?
While improving the equal status of women, Title IX has also had a negative impact on the world of men’s sports; change is necessary. It’s opening line states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational programs or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” This one line has been the cause of much avoidable controversy. Since its institution in 1972, Title IX has acted as a double edge sword. Women have gained much respect and have made great strides towards achieving their ultimate goal: equal status with men. However, men’s athletic opportunities have been lost in the path to women’s success. Some believe that Title IX should not be changed in any way, yet others believe that alterations are necessary. Title IX has been at the front line in the battle of the sexes since it was passed over 30 years ago. (“Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972”)
On June 23, 1972, an article was added to the United States Constitution with the intentions of creating
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equality among the sexes once and for all. This document was called Title IX and required that the federal government spend the same amount of money on women as they did on men; a very noble cause. In order to allow for equality to be achieved, however, three things needed to be done. First, a school must provide the athletic opportunities in which the students are most interested. If not as many men/women come out for the volleyball team as do for the basketball team, the volleyball team will most likely lose funding. Second, men and women are to receive the same benefits. If one sex receives more than the other, then an organization falls out of compliance with Title IX, resulting in legal action. Lastly, and quite possibly the most controversial, is the proportionali...