FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Title IX Signed Into Law on June 23, 1972.
MANSFIELD, Mass. – 50 years ago today, a landmark piece of legislation known as Title IX was signed into law that would transform collegiate athletics and issues of gender equity, both in sports and on campuses across the country.
The Northeast-10 Conference is proud to celebrate the milestone anniversary of Title IX and its impact on providing athletic opportunities for women. Throughout the remainder of 2022, the NE10 will promote interviews and stories highlighting some of the league's current and former student-athletes, coaches and administrators – giving them the chance to share their experiences and reflect on how Title IX paved the way for a more inclusive atmosphere in intercollegiate athletics.
"Title IX's impact is timeless. It is every bit as important now as it was back in 1972 and the Northeast-10 is thrilled to celebrate this milestone anniversary," said Julie Ruppert, NE10 Commissioner. "Over the past five decades, women in sport have enjoyed increased opportunities on and off the playing surface. We continue to address gender equity issues to this day, but 50 years later, Title IX continues to influence and inspire all of us in college athletics to seek fair opportunities for everyone."
NE10 CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF TITLE IX
On June 23, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 into law – prohibiting sex discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial aid. Representative Patsy Mink is credited as the major author of the bill, while Representatives Edith Green and Birch Bayh also made significant contributions.
Prior to Title IX, only one-percent of college athletic budgets went to women's sports programs. Over the years, Title IX has contributed to considerably high growths in female sports participation at both the high school and college levels - coming in at 1057% and 614% increases, respectively, according to Billie Jean King Enterprises (billiejeanking.com).
The NE10 currently boasts 12 women's sports – including basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field and volleyball. By offering these opportunities, NE10 female student-athletes have gone on to win 16 team and 26 individual NCAA titles in the league's 42-year history.
Continue to visit northeast10.org and follow the NE10 on social media - @TheNortheast10 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – to see the latest content on Title IX as we celebrate five decades of its groundbreaking impact.
ABOUT THE NE10
The NE10 is an association of 14 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.
