#TitleIXAt43: How We Talk About the Landmark Anti-Discrimination Legislation
June 26, 2015This week marked the 43rd anniversary of Title IX, a landmark law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity, including colleges, universities, and elementary and secondary schools.
Advocates took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the rights reflected in the legislation. While I’m grateful for the conversations that took place, I would have liked to see more talk about the ways in which Title IX covers pregnant and parenting teens, who are disproportionately affected by gender-based discrimination in the country’s education system.
Title IX changed the course of history for many people when it comes to athletics and being able to partake in programs that historically discriminated against individuals based on sex. For many young women, it means that they are not turned away from athletic activities on campuses because of their gender identity.
So it came as no surprise then that ESPNW and several other sports organizations used #TitleIXAt43 on Twitter this week to share the history, legacy, and their reflections about the law.