ABSTRACT
Equal opportunity for women and girls in education is of the utmost importance to the nation. Title IX, and the three-part test that implements it, have opened doors for millions of women and girls to obtain the benefits of participating in competitive athletics. Competitive athletics promotes physical and psychological health; responsible social behaviors; greater academic success; and increased personal skills. The dramatic increases in participation at both the high school and college levels since Title IX was passed show that when doors are opened to them, women and girls will rush through. The Commission heard testimony that there has been an unfortunate loss of men's teams, particularly in non-revenue and Olympic sports. The three-part test has been the subject of substantial litigation since its adoption, in cases brought both by women who assert that they have been denied participation opportunities and by men who claim that the three-part test has resulted in cuts to their teams.
