FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 11, 2003

A Huge Win for American Girls and Women

Statement of Marcia D. Greenberger, NWLC Co-President

(San Francisco, CA, July 11, 2003) — The National Women's Law Center welcomes the Department of Education's strong reconfirmation of current Title IX athletics policies today. This action comes after a year-long review of Title IX, the law that bars sex discrimination in education but is best known for creating an explosion in women's and girls' sports. This is a huge victory for women and girls everywhere - and the men and boys who care about them. We are relieved that the Department of Education heard and heeded the millions of voices in support of Title IX.

Today's action is also a recognition that discrimination against female athletes still exists and must be addressed by aggressive enforcement of Title IX. Women's and girls' participation opportunities, operating budgets and recruitment and scholarship dollars are still vastly lower than men's. The action follows intense attacks on Title IX athletics policies, and the unfortunate diversion of Department of Education resources and attention in considering weakening the policies that could have been better spent enforcing the law. We will be actively monitoring the Department's efforts to enforce the law to ensure that the rights of young women everywhere are fully protected.

Since Title IX's passage in 1972, women's participation in sports has increased by more than 400% at the college level and more than 800% at the high school level. Title IX has been a real example of the "Field of Dreams" -- build it, and they will come. As a result, the nation's young women and girls are getting more opportunities to play sports and enjoy the benefits that flow from those opportunities, including improved health, higher levels of self esteem, better grades, avoidance of risky behaviors, and preparation to succeed in the workforce. More than four out of five executive businesswomen played sports growing up and the vast majority say the lessons learned on the playing field have contributed to their success in business. http://www.massmutual.com/mmfg/pdf/boardroom.pdf

It is so important to keep this vital law intact. With Title IX, American girls can grow up strong and confident. It is time to take the necessary steps to fully enforce the law so that every young woman can achieve her dreams.

read the letter issued by the Department of Education reaffirming Title IX's athletic policies (pdf)