Lennington and Gruel: Title IX Changes Risk Undermining Female Athletics in the Name of Inclusivity

By Dan Lennington and Lauren Greuel | National Review

With the closing ceremony now in the rearview, we can declare an official winner of the Olympics: Title IX.

Now over 50 years old, Title IX is a federal law that guarantees equal treatment of men and women in American educational institutions, including in college sports. Before Title IX, schools heavily prioritized men’s athletic programs, with the average university devoting only 2 percent of athletic budgets to women’s sports. Title IX put an end to that disparity.

The law’s mandates are rigorous. It requires distribution of scholarship dollars proportionally based on participation. Title IX also ensures that, as women step onto the field, court, or track, the financial support follows. By tying scholarships to participation, Title IX guarantees funding in a laundry list of other categories: equipment, supplies, practice times, travel, tutoring, coaching, facilities (locker rooms, competitive facilities, medical and training facilities, housing and dining services), publicity and promotions, and recruitment.