Episode 95: Title IX

OSU has seen its fair share of talented athletes, and it’s no different when it comes to the women’s teams. However, it took the hard work and dedication of many female athletes and coaches to see the development that leads us to the ever-growing popularity of women’s athletics today. Before Title IX, women simply did not have the same athletic opportunities men did. But first, what is Title IX and how did it impact women’s rights? Title IX is a part of the Education Amendments of 1972, and it prohibited discrimination based on sex nationally in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. Prior to this, women’s sports only existed in a club capacity at best. While the passing of Title IX changed the future of sports for the better, post-Title IX had its own power struggles between the newly established Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and the longstanding National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Today, we’re talking about women’s sports then and now, and the challenges that faced these young women who paved the way for women’s athletics everywhere. We’ll also hear from Karen Hancock on the explosion of support for women’s sports today and more importantly, for female athletes themselves.