D4. Title IX: Unintended Consequences

Title IX is a landmark federal civil rights law enacted in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program that receives funding from the federal government. How did it become law? It is known as the “sports-equity” law, but the original law doesn’t mention sports. What has the impact been on women’s sports? Men’s sports? What other impacts has Title IX had on American schools, including sexual harassment and sexual violence? What’s the lasting legacy of Title IX?

Instructor: Jean Sifleet is a retired business attorney and CPA. Many years ago, she used Title IX to get equity for her daughters’ high school ice hockey teams. The boys had after-school ice time, bus transportation, uniforms, equipment, all paid for by school (taxpayer) funds. The girls’ teams got no school support; the parents paid for everything. Year after year, the parents worked for some equity for the girls’ teams and recognition as Varsity Teams and were blocked at every turn. Finally, Jean filed a Title IX complaint to change the situation and obtain equity for the girls. Title IX forced the change that was needed. During her business career, she worked in corporate management, consulting, and private practice. In retirement, she served as an Access to Justice Fellow and worked with the Mass Law Reform Institute on immigration and law reform issues. Jean has taught numerous courses for WISE and welcomes participant discussion of the issues.