Title IX prohibits gender discrimination in all public and private schools and colleges that receive federal funding - which nearly all do. Title IX is not limited to sports. It is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. While it is well-known for its impact on athletics, Title IX also covers many other areas, including admissions, financial aid, counseling, and protection against sexual harassment. Title IX is widely credited with increasing female participation in collegiate sports since it was passed in 1972. The number of girls participating in high school sports rose from 294,000 in 1971 to 3.54 million in 2018. The number of women in college sports increased fivefold over the same time. However, female participation rates, especially for girls of color, lag far behind male participation rates. In 2024, approximately 60% of non-Hispanic White girls participated in high school sports, compared to 42% of Black girls and 47% of Hispanic girls. Female student athletes have been found to have higher levels of self-esteem and to be more likely to graduate from high school than female students who do not play sports. Although the availability of athletic scholarships often determines access to college, many schools fail to award proportional athletic financial aid to women, which can affect their future employment prospects and economic security.

Pending Legislation: H.R.1557 - Stop Sexual Harassment in K–12 Act
Sponsor: Rep. Casten, Sean (IL)
Status: House Committee on Education and Workforce
Chair: Rep. Tim Walberg (MI)