TITLE IX = PROGRESS FOR WOMEN

On November 16, 2005, the Gilroy branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in conjunction with Gavilan Community College, hosted a community forum to discuss Title IX, focusing on athletics.

The 1972 law, Title IX, states “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.” Since its inception, the law has had a profound impact on helping to change attitudes, assumptions, behavior, and, consequently, our understanding about how sexual stereotypes can limit educational opportunities.

Title IX strongly reflects the mission of AAUW to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. Although the law applies to all facets of education, it was decided to limit the review. Athletics is an area that easily lends itself to accountability based on separate gender needs. Therefore, the goal of the program was to familiarize the community and AAUW members with Title IX and learn how the local schools are meeting the challenge to comply with the law.

The presentation consisted of a panel of individuals affiliated with local athletic programs, Gloria Nevarez, Assistant Commissioner/Senior Women’s Administrator, West Coast Athletic Conference, Ron Hannon, Director of Physical Education and Athletics at Gavilan College, and Jack Daley, Director of Athletics at Gilroy High School.

The program was divided into three sections. Initially Gloria Nevarez presented a history on the adoption of the law, Title IX, and its language. She then put the law into common terms defining the requirements for compliance. Gloria addressed the practical difficulties and limitations schools have in meeting the requirements. The slide presentation had statistics on the past and present impact the law has had on women’s involvement and performance in sports.

Next Ron Hannon and Jack Daley presented information about the athletic programs at Gavilan College and Gilroy High School, respectively. They discussed the current programs in place presenting the issues of recruitment of staff and teams, budget, participation, equipment, and facilities. Ron and Jack related how current practice equates with Title IX compliance. They then both addressed their hopes for the future of the girls’ athletic programs.

Lastly, the panel was opened for audience questions. Members, educators, school trustees and staff posed interesting questions. Issues such as sharing playing fields, distribution of funds within the department (high exposure sports versus less known or popular sports), and designing sport magnet schools within a city were discussed. These types of questions and more were expertly answered by the panel with compliance of the law as focus.

All that attended seemed pleased with the presentation having gained a better understanding of Title IX and an appreciation of the difficulties schools face in meeting compliance. The event received positive news media coverage from the college and two local community newspapers. The success of the forum provided a wonderful opportunity for AAUW visibility and community involvement in issues the organization supports.
As follow-up, the experience has opened a good relationship with Gavilan College and AAUW. Recently, AAUW members were invited and attended the first Annual Gavilan College Girls Athletic Luncheon fund raiser.

The American Association of University Women - Gilroy Branch

Invites YOU to a

Lively and Informative Presentation

Title IX: Equity in Sports

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.  20 U.S.C. 168.

Presenters:

Gloria Nevarez, JD, Assistant Commissioner
Senior Women’s Administrator, West Coast Conference

Ron Hannon, Director, Physical Education/Athletics, Gavilan College

Jack Daley, Athletics Director, Gilroy High School

Find out

How are our schools and college doing on this issue?

How does it affect our daughters and sons?

Tuesday, November 16, 2004      7:00 pm

Gavilan Community College

Room SS 214

For more information:  Margie Enger  842-9996  or  Carol Smith   848-2475                   

AAUW membership information: Maretta Juarez   504-8647