Gender and Sports: Idaho Schools Cleared

Link to Article: http://magicvalley.com/sports/high-school/area-schools-cleared-in-title-ix-complaint/article_c55ad828-0777-11e1-a4c5-001cc4c002e0.html

          In class on November 22^nd, 2011, we continued our conversation on gender and sports, but specifically focusing in on Title IX.  This topic is also covered in Coakley’s text, starting on page 234.  In this article, it is explained that twenty school districts in Idaho, have been cleared from Title IX allegations brought against them over the summer.  This is very good news for these school districts that were accused of not providing equal opportunities for their female athletes.  According to Coakley, on page 234, and what we went over in class, Title IX is a United States law prohibiting gender discrimination in schools that receive federal funds in any way.  This law was passed in 1972, and completely changed the amount of opportunities females have had in sports.  If these school districts in Idaho would have been found guilty, any federal funds they are receiving would have been withdrawn. 

                This law had been great for the world of sports.  It has given many, specifically women, the opportunity to participate in both High School and Collegiate athletics.  According to Coakley, on page 238, from 1971 to 2008, the number of females playing high school sports rose from 295,000 to 3.06 million.  These numbers are a perfect example of how Title IX has helped females with participation in sport.  Coakley even goes on to say that now more males now can see females as athletes, which was unheard of prior to 1972.  It is imperative that schools continue to meet the standards of Title IX so even more opportunities can come about, and even increase the numbers the Coakley provided us.