Girls make up 49 percent of the high school population but only 41 percent of high school athletics. Title IX was created in 1972 to help create equal opportunity. This law has had huge implications for women and girls since then.
The most common misconception about Title IX is that it only applies to women. Boarding high schools like to emphasize that this federal law was created for everyone. At Wasatch Academy we believe that every student and staff member should “know your nine” in order to reap the benefits through the entire high school experience.
What Is Title IX?
Title IX 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 educational program or activity receiving federal assistance.”
In plain English, this means that female, male and gender non-conforming students and staff are protected from discrimination in any federally funded educational setting. This includes schools, libraries, museums, education agencies and boarding high schools.
Title IX also protects discrimination against sexual harassment, sexual violence and all kinds of gender discrimination regardless of the program or situation. By requiring schools to be proactive, students can have a safe learning environment. Every federally funded school has a Title IX coordinator to handle complaints and follow procedure for all situations.
Break Common Myths
We know that students thrive when they can take part in sports. It teaches them professional lessons and provides leadership opportunities. One of the most important parts of this law is the equal opportunity for scholarships so that regardless of financial situation all students can find their way to college.
What Title IX doesn’t do is require identical programs for girls and boys, only programs that fit the interests and abilities of each group. Boarding high schools take extra steps to create a safe place for all students to develop.