What is Title IX?
Title IX is a landmark federal law in the United States that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal funding. Enacted as part of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX 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 subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Key aspects of Title IX include:
Equal opportunities in athletics: Ensuring that male and female students have equitable opportunities to participate in sports and receive athletic scholarships
Prevention of sexual harassment and assault: Requiring schools to have policies and procedures in place to address and prevent sexual misconduct
Pregnancy and parenting rights: Protecting the rights of pregnant and parenting students to continue their education
STEM education: Promoting equal access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs for all genders
Title IX has had a significant impact on advancing gender equality in education and has been instrumental in increasing opportunities for women and girls in various academic and athletic pursuits.