Women's Sports

No single event in history has done more to advance women's sports in the U.S. than Title IX, the federal law signed in 1972 by President Richard M. Nixon that paved the way for girls and women to participate in sports by prohibiting gender discrimination in schools and colleges that receive federal funding.

Since it was enacted, Title IX has allowed for a record number of female participants in various sports, provided women athletes with societal acceptance, and created opportunities for greater prize money in sports such as tennis and golf. It also paved the way for events such as the NCAA Women's Final Four.

While some may view Title IX as reverse discrimination or controversial due to the effect it has had on male sports programs in this country, no one can deny its social impact on gender equality by opening a door of advancement that had been previously locked shut.