Entitlement Under Title IX: Behind the Scenes of the Iconic Amendment

[Excerpt] 1972. A pivotal year in the world of educational and athletic opportunities for women due to the passing of Title IX of the Equal Opportunity Act. This legislation states that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance” (Jackson). The scope of Title IX’s impact stretches into today-- nearly 50 years since it was enacted. Women’s sports, at both the high school and collegiate levels, have seen a striking rise in participation since the legislation passed. Women are able to attend the college of their choice, and are receiving degrees at higher rates than men (Staurowsky 99). With staggering statistics that prove Title IX has positively changed the landscape for female athletes, it is easy to overlook the issues buried within this law