Title IX FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions on Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972:

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits gender discrimination by schools and others that receive federal education funds. Title IX has been used to assure adequate opportunities for female student athletes and to protect students from sexual harassment.

Who is protected under Title IX?

Title IX helps everyone -- men and women, boys and girls, and students and staff -- in any school or college that gets federal funding. The law prohibits discrimination against anyone on the basis of gender.

Why is it important to enforce Title IX in all physical education and athletic programs?

Athletic programs are considered educational programs under the law. Female students access to educational sports programs is a critical women's health issue.

Who is responsible for enforcing Title IX?

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights enforces Title IX.

Does Title IX require that equal funds be spent on men and women’s sports?

No. Male and female student-athletes must receive equitable "treatment" and "benefits." The Javitrs Amendment says that legitimate and justifiable non-gender-related differences in sports can be taken into account such as the differing costs of equipment, as long as the quality is the same for both genders.

Are single-sex classes or schools allowed under Title IX?

Title IX does not cover admissions policies in traditionally single-sex public or private colleges and universities or elementary and secondary schools.

How does a school comply with Title IX?

Title IX does not have a rigid quota or participation standard. Schools can show that the proportion of women in athletics is the same as the proportion of women in the general student body; OR can show that they have fully accommodated the interests and abilities of the underrepresented sex OR can show consistent expansion of athletic opportunities for the underrepresented sex over time.

Does Title IX hurt men's programs?

No. Between 1989 and 1993, the participation slots for women increased by 10,000. Participation slots for men increased by 10,000 in the same time period.

Sources: NEA, Women’s Sports Foundation, NCAA, Department of Education

Title IX -- Other Resources

The full text of Title IX can be found at the U.S. Department of Justice.

Resources from other organizations

National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education:

Title IX Athletics Policies: Issues and Data for Education Decision Makers ( PDF, 66 pages) responds to findings from the President's Commission on Opportunity in Athletics 2003 report.

Women's Sports Foundation:

A call to action to protect Title IX’s status and
Title IX a reference guide( PDF, 16 pages)

Resources from the U.S. Department of Education and Congress

U.S. Department of Education:

"Title IX: 25 Years of Progress,"   a 1997 report under former Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley describes the impact of Title IX as an affirmation of "what can be accomplished when we allow all Americans—men and women—an equal opportunity to be their best."

Single-Sex Classroom Guidelines from the Office for Civil Rights:

National Center for Education Statistics’ "What is Title IX and How Has it Impacted Sex Equity?"

House of Representatives:

Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) issues press release on presidential Title IX commission findings.

Title IX -- NEA Resources

NEA Publications

Stopping Student Sexual Harassment, questions and answers about Title IX and student harassment. ( PDF, 4 pages)

Flirting or Hurting?, a guide for new teachers on student sexual harassment. ( PDF, 5 pages)

Bullyproof: A Teacher's Guide on Teasing and Bullying for Use with Fourth and Fifth Grade Students, available from our online professional bookstore.

Combatting Sexual Harassment in Higher Education, available from our online professional bookstore.

Articles from NEA Today

November 2003
Meet Fern White an AP English teacher from Hawaii who can't imagine life without rodeo. She's a fierce competitor in a sport dominated by men. Also in this issue read about Karla Roberts, a retired Missouri educator who is a world champion skeet shooter. 

May 2003
Colorado teacher Stacy Kuhn sets the pace in professional race car driving and in the lives of her first-grade students.

April 2003
More than just about sports: Did you know Title IX has given women and girls a huge boost academically, too?

Elsewhere on NEA.org

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