World Cup 2007, Thanks Title IX

Today marks the 34th anniversary of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. I didn’t realize that I was a Title IX baby (the law passed just three months after I was born), until I was an adult. But I know I reaped the benefits, along with millions of other little girls who were given new opportunities to play hard and learn more.

I hope by now there’s some common knowledge about Title IX, but just in case, here’s a quick reminder. Title IX is not just for girls. The law actually protects male and female students and employees from sex discrimination at all elementary schools, high schools, and colleges and universities that receive federal funding, as well as educational programs and activities that are affiliated with any of these schools.

And it’s not just about sports. Title IX covers all arenas of public education. Enforced by the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, Title IX covers recruitment, admissions, course offerings, financial aid, scholarships, housing facilities, and the list goes on… It is intended to guarantee equal access and opportunity for both genders for the entire educational experience. It is wide-reaching, and that’s why it has made such a difference.

So I hate to return to sports on a Title IX blog, since most of the public attention to Title IX has been chronicling the woes of “at-risk” men’s wrestling teams rather than the many other more important educational issues. But I watched the U.S. men’s team sadly lose to Ghana in yesterday’s World Cup match (Ghana, by the way, seems like the underdog team to cheer for now that the U.S. is out of it- this is Ghana’s first World Cup appearance and they are now the only African team remaining).

I know U.S. soccer fans are really depressed. But all is not lost for four more years. The women will be back next year for the FIFA 2007 Women’s World Cup, to be held in China.

And thanks to Title IX, the U.S. women’s team is a pretty good shot on goal.