By Ellen Russell Beatty
Ponder This
Ellen Russell Beatty
As the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the sweeping, historic federal law that guarantees equity in any education program or activity receiving federal financial aid, champion swimmer Katie Ledecky continues her remarkable accomplishments. Earning a gold medal and breaking the world record in women’s freestyle, Ledecky is the most decorated athlete in women’s freestyle history.
Surely, the interconnection of the stories of Ledecky and Title IX are just one of many amazing outcomes of federal policy that occurred in my lifetime. There would be no championship celebration of Ledecky and her astonishing individual and team accomplishments without Title IX, the landmark legislation that is foundational to a more inclusive legacy for the next generation.
I have had the distinct privilege of following Title IX and the changing culture of women’s sports from a bird’s-eye view within the university. Much recent attention and credit is due to the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland for the significant discovery, analysis and interpretation of documents, data, focused testimony of administrators, athletes, parents and coaches about the status of Title IX legislation.
The fascinating story of legislative impact on women’s sports can help our national leaders with other pieces of legislation and complex policy formation. It is an added, unintended yet monumental consequence that Title IX will help us to legislate more effectively in the future. This important evidence and testimony to the magnificent results of thoughtful and well-resourced governmental action can guide us.
It is worth repeating the simple words that changed the world and set the stage for progress to come for women: “no person in the United States shall on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
Prior to Title IX, there were only 295,00 girls participating in high school sports. Today, for 3.4 million girls playing sports across 24,000 American high schools, the sweeping, historic federal law guarantees equity in any education program or activity receiving federal financial aid.
The continuing goal must be on boosting participation and improving conditions for high school girls’ sports. Field conditions, amenities, publicity and attention from administrations all remain hurdles to full participation.
The scope of the problem can be better determined as more accurate data are gathered and analyzed. It is always a component part of good legislative policy to fund properly, resource adequately and use the data in decision making. Change in any complex issue is not done on good intentions. Did the outcome match the intent of the policy? If not, why not? Does original legislation need modification to meet original goals? What are the barriers to full implementation?
Here I am applauding Title IX, yet still I struggle with the issues of women in general and in elected service. The subtle exclusions, lack of information and marginalization still diminish full agency now and hold back progress for women in the future.
Many influential others are writing and emphasizing these facts clearly, so I amplify the chorus. Playing sports, especially softball and public park tennis, changed my life and had ripple effects off the field. We must cherish and protect this special lived experience of knowing with the obligation and determination to help others. Much is still to be accomplished post-Title IX, but the nation has learned powerful, practical and enlightening lessons on how to herald and implement important civil rights legislation and resultant policy. This is the legacy of inclusion that our knowing obligation must help steer going forward.