Title IX, sometimes styled Title 9, is a United States federal civil rights law that protects against sex discrimination in education. It is part of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Title IX applies to every aspect of the educational experience. However, the law has captured public attention mainly through its sometimes controversial application in athletics.
Title IX bans discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive federal funding. The law affects many schools and nearly all universities and colleges, whose students often receive federal financial aid. The text of Title IX reads, “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.”
The law has played a major role in increasing educational opportunities for women. In the mid-1900’s, women were generally discouraged from pursuing educational opportunities outside such traditional fields as teaching and nursing. In 1972, for example, women earned just 7 percent of all law degrees and 9 percent of all medical degrees. By the early 2000’s, women received roughly half of all legal and medical degrees.
Title IX has also greatly increased women’s access to collegiate athletics. Before the law was passed, only a tiny percentage of college athletic budgets went to women’s programs, and women received few athletic scholarships. By the 2010’s, women’s athletic scholarships at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 schools were roughly equal to those of men.
Despite its success, Title IX has drawn controversy at times for the way specific colleges and universities have applied it to their athletic programs. The law does not strictly require that schools provide the same number of athletic opportunities for men and women. However, some schools have cited a need to equalize such opportunities in the decision to cut such men’s programs as wrestling, cross-country, and golf.
Title IX has also been used to file suit against schools for sexual harassment and sexual assault occurring within their institutions. Courts have ruled that these activities hinder equal access to education, in violation of Title IX.
