Chevy Chase
High School
of Title IX
Hockey
Sports
Illustrated
For Women
|
Aside from the specifics outlined by Title IX and an overall increase in athletic participation, gender equity has been bolstered by media spotlight. College basketball is an extraordinary example of the energy found in women's sports. The Universities of Connecticut and Tennessee have promoted positive role models for young girls and encourage athletic competition as individual players have demonstrated confidence, perseverance, and dedication. Increased visibility of women's sports has also been attributed to the performance of Olympic athletes. Women's soccer and softball premiered as a medal sport in 1996 and ice hockey was added in 1998. Without the opportunity to excel in a sport on the college level, women would not have had as many chances to train for and win Olympic medals.
The achievements of Title IX are extraordinary and the opportunities made available by the amendment are widespread. Clearly, women have displayed serious interest and deep enthusiasm for an activity that benefits one for life. Denied access to the fun and exciting world of sports was an unjust reality that faced women prior to Title IX. The success of the amendment has been notable and women's sports have slowly moved into mainstream society. Professional sports teams such as the WNBA offer young girls a new possibility to achieve a previously unattainable goal. A step closer to equality, a step away from discrimination, this legislation sought to correct a portion of the issues that detrimentally effected women. The 20th century has entertained radical new ideas of equality. Perhaps with increased legislative action and voter participation, the 21st will bring social justice to fruition. |
Copyright Molly Egan, Jason Wood; Lehigh University 1999