Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that protects the civil rights of women at academic institutions. It ensures that females have equal opportunities at an academic institution, including athletic opportunities. However, Title IX does not guarantee that a woman can play on the men's baseball team.
Identification
Title IX, which was passed in 1972, is part of the Educational Amendment Act. It states that "No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid." Although the focus has always been on fairness and equality in athletics, Title IX covers many aspects of academics, including housing, financial aid and other services.
Significance
Historically, men's sports have received more funding, scholarships and promotion than women's sports. Although Title IX attempts to level the playing field, it does not guarantee that women can participate in a men's sport, such as wrestling or baseball. Compliance to Title IX is determined by looking at the athletic program as a whole, not just one sport or activity.
Baseball
Title IX dictates that the percentage of females in the athletic program must meet or exceed the percentage of females in the student body. If 40 percent of the student body is female, 40 percent of the athletic program must be female. If this percentage is not met, women must be allowed to play on male teams, such as the baseball team, or have a separate team created for them. However, if the women are not underrepresented in the athletic program and the school meets the appropriate percentage, they do not have to allow women to try out for male sports.
Considerations
Title IX dictates only that women can play baseball if they are underrepresented in the athletic program as a whole. It does not require schools to allow women to play on any male sports team, although some schools may choose to allow this anyway. Although Title IX was created to ensure equality and fairness, it has had some unfortunate consequences. For example, some schools, desperate to meet Title IX regulations, have cut out men's teams to bring the percentages in line.
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