Chapter 11 Before TitleIX

[50's PONY]

OPINION


Chapter 11 before Title IX
Interpretation of gender equity law outdated, inhibits equality in sports


By The Daily Campus Editorial Board
February 25, 2004


Many people were shocked at SMU’s announcement that it was eliminating its highly reputable track and field team. Apparently the program’s value was based upon expected revenue, rather than the impressive year-by-year success that it has had. Although financial reasons were cited as the main motive, we can’t hide from the reality that Title IX was a key factor in the cut.

Title IX is the most outdated law on the books in college athletics.

When it was implemented in 1972, Title IX legislation was an important phase in the gender equity struggle. As a direct result, many women’s sports programs emerged on college campuses nationwide. In fact, women’s participation in sports has improved by leaps and bounds. In 1982, 10 years after Title IX was passed, 80,040 women played collegiate sports. In 1999 that number was 148,803. Without the triumphs of Title IX, these amazing numbers would never be possible. Unfortunately, the success numbers are overshadowed by the increasing problem associated with the law.

The biggest problem regards how most schools interpret the law. It has become a convoluted game of numbers, and all other issues are pushed aside. Title IX mandates that there be a precise proportionality between men and women’s enrollment and their rates of participation in athletics. Essentially, participation in sports has to be reflective of the composition of the student body. At SMU, the ration of women to men is 55 percent to 45 percent and must be reflected in athletics.

By simply doing head counts, the SMU administration decided it needed to meet a certain quota.

The quota system should be blamed for most of the problems associated with Title IX. Numerous programs nationwide, like SMU, have succumbed to issues with Title IX compliance.

But the law does not promote equality.

The best solution is to eliminate the gender quota from the Title IX interpretation and replace it with a more reasonable approach that provides opportunities based on interest. This way, if there are 20 male scholarships for track, then a school would also have to offer 20 female scholarships for track.

In recent years, SMU added women’s volleyball (1996), indoor track (1998), rowing (1999) and equestrian (2003). These sports don’t draw that much interest from women, but only comply with Title IX. It is dangerous when women’s opportunities in college athletics are increased simply by restricting the opportunities for men.

The law needs to be revised. Title IX legislation is no longer needed and is undermining the importance of all sports.




Chapter 11 before Title IX
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