Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Sam Wechsler-Talk Radio News Service

Two bills pertaining to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which required schools and universities to provide equal opportunities for men and women both academically and athletically, are being reintroduced into the House and Senate. The bills, which were introduced by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Olympia Snow (R-Maine), would require high schools to release data to the public on the number of student-athletes by gender, expenditures on athletic programs, and coaches’ salaries.

Former Senator Birch Bayh, known as the father of Title IX, spoke of the greater importance of the law. “[Participation in athletics generates] better grades, lower dropouts, less truancy, less unwanted pregnancy, less smoking, and less drug use,” he said.

American gold medalist gymnast Dominique Dawes commented on the importance of women’s participation in sports as well. She stated that women who participate in sports will learn about their physical and mental health and will be less likely to suffer from negative self-esteem.

Slaughter stated that there are 1.3 million fewer athletic opportunities for women. “We’re still a ways away from our goal of providing equal educational opportunity both academically and athletically,” said Bayh.