Introduction

The growth of women’s sports in the United States has been supported by Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972. In June of 2002, a review of Title IX was initiated by the Secretary of Education who formed the Commission on Opportunity in Athletics.  A coalition of women’s groups notified their membership of this perceived attack, and a grassroots response in support of Title IX ensued

Methods

A review of literature was conducted on the history of Title IX, the positive and negative impacts of the law were studied, and the results of meetings conducted by the Commission on Opportunity in Athletics were examined.  Attendance at conferences was undertaken where leaders of the coalition of women’s groups spoke and discussed their groups’ response to the perceived attack on Title IX.

Results

The response of coalition members, through the use of email, letters and personal contact with political leaders, in addition to an educational component from coalition groups, had a significant impact on the Secretary of Education’s decision not to make any changes to Title IX.  Coalition members perceived this as a victory in support of Title IX.

Discussion/ Conclusions

The response of the coalition of women’s groups to a perceived attack on a developed legal strength in women’s athletics showed that political challenges can be met with success through grassroots involvement.  The methods used to mobilize the membership of coalition groups will be discussed, along with the impact of the decision to maintain Title IX in its present form.

 

References

[1]. DeVarona, D & Foudy, J. (2003)http://www.aahperd.org/nagws.

[2]. Gavora, J. (2002) Tilting the Playing Field - schools, sport, sex, and Title IX, Encounter Books.

[3]. Greenberger, M. (2002) Hearing Before the Commission on Opportunity in Athletics, Aug. 27.

[4]. Lopiano, D. (2003) AAHPERD Conference Symposium, April.

[5]. Mather, M. (2003) Women in Educational Leadership Journal, vol. 1, no. 3

[6]. Yiamouyiannis, A (2002)  NAGWS, June.