Today, marks 53 years of Title IX—the historic legislation known for promoting the athletic opportunities women enjoy today. But when President Richard Nixon signed the bill into law on June 23, 1972, athletics weren’t top of mind. In fact, the benefits of this provision are still continuing to surface even now – 53 years later. As women’s dignity faces attacks from all angles, Title IX has stood the test of time, and we celebrate its historic passage that paved the way for the opportunities and protections we enjoy today.
In 1972, only 8% of women were college graduates. The lack of educational opportunities for women at the time originally sparked Title IX, garnering strong Democratic support and eventually the final signature from Republican President Richard Nixon. The legislation was popular for its simplicity; just 37 words that continue to change history:
“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 educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
At first, this widened the path for women to further their education. Now nearly 40% of women have college degrees. But because of its clear objectives, the benefits didn’t stop there. Though women may not face discrimination in acceptance, they did not enjoy the same paths to scholarships and benefits within the education systems. For example, only 15% of student-athletes were female and there were virtually no female athletic scholarships. College athletic budgets averaged about 2% towards female athletics. But because of Title IX implementation, girls’ participation in female athletics has increased over 11x, and over 222,000 women are competing in the NCAA.
This has changed the lives of millions of girls across the country, myself included. As a little girl I dreamed of playing NCAA volleyball. I didn’t realize this dream was inconceivable only 50 years prior.
By the grace of God and serious grit, I achieved my goal and earned an athletic scholarship. This heavily paid my way through college. I now utilize my degree in Public Administration every day in my role as CWA’s House Legislative Strategist—all of this was possible because of what happened in the White House on June 23, 1972.
But during my recruiting process, I learned just how vital Title IX’s protections still are today. In an unassuming club tournament match, I approached the court to compete in front of college scouts. I looked across the net stunned—my opponent was a man. He was playing on a female net, over 7 inches shorter than the standard men’s net, and he embarrassed us in front of the scouts. I got involved with Young Women for America (YWA) soon after and began advocating for the integrity of Title IX.
Just a few years later, opponents of women’s opportunity began blatantly rewriting the most consequential of the 37 words; “on the basis of sex.”
The radical ideologues argued “sex” included “gender identity,” though they did not miss the dramatic effects this understanding has on public policy. They openly champion a 6’4” man on a woman’s podium as “progress.”
Former President Joe Biden tried to wield executive power to force this erasure unilaterally, but parents, athletes, and strong-willed attorneys did not let it slide. The rule change he proposed on Title IX’s 50th anniversary redefining “sex” to include “gender identity” hit record amounts of public comments and ultimately could not hold up in court. Title IX’s true meaning, grounded in sanity and simplicity, once again scored for women. After President Trump moved into the White House, he clarified that Title IX has been, and always should be, on the basis of sex.
But just like the original passage, this wasn’t just about sports. Title IX protects women in all areas of education—from scholarships to sex-based dorm rooms. And as public policy continues to develop and unlock new complexities, we will continue to celebrate Title IX and its longstanding protections for women grounded in simplicity; women should be free from discrimination on the basis of sex.
