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In today’s political landscape, it is rare to find an issue that unites Americans. However, one matter continues to resonate across the political spectrum: the protection of women’s sports. Polls consistently show that a significant majority of Americans from various political backgrounds believe it is unfair to allow stronger, faster males to compete in women’s events and use female-only facilities.
On June 23, as we honor the anniversary of Title IX, citizens nationwide join in advocating for critical sex-based protections that women uniquely deserve. This includes the right to compete in equal, sex-segregated athletic programs, access to female-only spaces, and protection from sexual harassment.
Historical Context of Women’s Athletics
Before the enactment of Title IX in 1972, opportunities for women and girls in sports were nearly nonexistent. Fewer than 32,000 women participated in collegiate athletics, and a mere 300,000 girls engaged in high school sports. Moreover, women faced significant barriers to scholarships and academic opportunities.
Even after Title IX passed, progress was gradual. For instance, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, commonly known as the NCAA, did not recognize women’s volleyball as a championship sport until 1981, over a decade after the first men’s championship. Similarly, the NCAA only acknowledged women’s softball after its male counterpart, established in 1947.
The Rise in Female Participation
Today, more than 3 million girls participate in high school sports, and over 222,000 play at the collegiate level. This transformation can be attributed to the groundwork laid by Title IX, enabling athletes like basketball sensation Caitlin Clark and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles to pursue and excel in their professional careers.
While public opinion appears to support the fair treatment of female athletes, a troubling trend persists in competitive sports. Recently, news surfaced of a male athlete claiming victory in a girls’ track meet in California, reflecting a broader issue troubling women’s sports.
Government Leadership and Changes in Policy
The recent political environment has shifted, particularly under the leadership of former President Donald Trump. The administration’s efforts sought to protect women’s rights under federal education law. By reversing the Biden administration’s controversial interpretation of Title IX, the Trump administration aimed to restore equal opportunity protections based on biological sex.
To further underline the commitment to protecting female sports, President Trump issued an executive order banning males from participating in women’s competitions. The Department of Education has been actively enforcing this directive.
Protecting the Integrity of Women’s Sports
The Department of Education also took a firm stance against any state actions that allowed men to compete unfairly against female athletes. This is exemplified by the experience of high school volleyball player Payton McNabb, who suffered serious injuries after a volleyball was spiked by a biologically male opponent.
Such incidents raise legitimate concerns regarding the safety of female athletes and the integrity of women’s sports. In response, the Trump administration initiated investigations into California, Maine, and other states regarding their treatment of female athletes under Title IX.
Collaborating with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of Education is prioritizing investigations into educational institutions that allegedly violate Title IX by not ensuring fair competition for female athletes. Schools and organizations, such as the California Interscholastic Foundation and the University of Maryland, face scrutiny to ensure they uphold the rights of female athletes. States failing to comply risk losing federal funding if they continue to discriminate against women.
A Call to Action for Female Athletes
This anniversary of Title IX serves as a reminder of the ongoing effort to protect the rights of women and girls in sports. It is not an occasion to compromise those rights for the sensitivity of male athletes. Instead, the focus should remain on celebrating the achievements and advancements made by women in athletics across the nation.
As someone who experienced the challenges of competing in sports prior to the advent of Title IX, and as a witness to the injustices that transpired during the Biden administration, it is undeniable how crucial this legislation is for empowering women. Moreover, public sentiment reflects that the treatment women in sports have faced in recent years is unacceptable and unjust. Women deserve equitable and safe competitive environments, and their pleas for fairness are finally gaining the recognition they warrant.
Payton McNabb is a sports ambassador advocating for the Independent Women’s Forum and a former high school athlete whose dreams were altered by a traumatic brain injury.
