ABSTRACT
Upon approaching the thirtieth anniversary, women athletes have been poised to support their position on Title IX, the federal regulations established in 1972 to ensure gender equity in college and university sports. Title IX, of the Education Amendments of 1972, is a federal law that was enacted to bar sex discrimination in all facets of education, including sports programs. The Federal Government is responsible for enforcing Title IX. The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is the "primary agency charged with making Title IX's mandate a reality". Prior to 1972, women and girls looking for opportunities for athletic competition were more likely to try out for cheerleading or secure places in the bleachers as spectators. In 1971, fewer than 30,000 females competed in intercollegiate athletics. Low participation rates reflected the lack of institutional commitment to providing athletics programming for women.
