The NCAA began its Title IX at 50 celebration during the 2022 NCAA Convention in Indianapolis. The celebration commemorates the anniversary of the landmark federal law signed in 1972 that prohibits gender discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
The Association will host programs, tributes and other activities through spring 2023, alongside member schools who also are recognizing the anniversary. The efforts will culminate at the 2023 Women's Final Four in Dallas, where Divisions I, II and III will hold their basketball championships.
Amy Wilson, managing director in the NCAA office of inclusion, briefly outlined national office plans during a Convention education session, "Title IX Approaches 50 Years: Striving for Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics." Wilson discussed how Title IX has provided education and athletic opportunities for women since its inception and added that the national office assembled a Title IX at 50 working group that meets to develop celebratory plans and ways to educate and highlight the continued progress on equity.
In addition to the creation of a special Title IX at 50 logo, a dedicated website is available at ncaa.org/titleix50, which includes a membership tool kit that provides ideas and suggestions on how schools and conferences can celebrate on their campuses and in their communities. Various materials and stories also will be archived on the site, along with the Title IX at 50 report that will detail progress made over the years and where additional work needs to be done. The report will be complete by early spring.
"Title IX is turning 50 years old, and we are taking this opportunity to celebrate, motivate, encourage and support women and everyone engaged in improving equity for all," Wilson said. "While progress is being made across intercollegiate athletics, including with our championships, the journey is not over."
Title IX is part of the Education Amendments of 1972 and was signed into law June 23. It 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."
The office of inclusion and national office working group staffed a Title IX at 50 booth at the Convention trade show where individuals could test their knowledge with Title IX trivia. They also gave away Title IX at 50 stickers and T-shirts and discussed celebratory plans as a kickoff to the celebration.
Celebratory activities also will take place at this year's NCAA Inclusion Forum on June 15-16, and various recognitions will occur at 2022 NCAA championships. Additionally, communications efforts will include social media features, resource materials, dedicated stories and Title IX membership spotlights. Members also will be asked to share their celebration initiatives for the Title IX at 50 website as part of the anniversary promotion.
"We invite everyone to be involved, and just as important, we want people to understand the significance of this important federal law — Title IX — as we celebrate this anniversary," Wilson said.
