Thanks to Billie Jean King and Title IX on behalf of all female athletes!
Title IX is a federal civil rights law in the United States that was enacted as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program that receives funding from the federal government. Title IX has had a profound impact on women’s sports by requiring equal opportunities to participate and compete. Since its enactment, women’s sports have seen a period of profound growth and evolution. Athletic programs are considered educational programs and activities. Title IX gives women athletes the right to equal opportunity in sports in educational institutions that receive federal funds, from elementary schools to colleges and universities.
As we commemorate 51 years of Title IX, we take a moment to honor one of the law’s unwavering advocates, Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) Founder Billie Jean King. A sports icon and social justice pioneer, BJK has long fought for the rights of girls and women in sports. From testifying on Capitol Hill to creating the Women’s Sports Foundation to advocating and securing equal pay in women’s tennis, BJK’s career and legacy is synonymous with the power and promise of Title IX.
In March, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Mikie Sherrill introduced H.R.1831 to award Billie Jean King the Congressional Gold Medal. This esteemed honor recognizes distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions that have a lasting effect in the recipient’s field long after the achievement itself. An individual woman athlete has never received this award, and it’s time that changed. Join us in marking 51 years of Title IX and thanking Billie Jean King by urging your Representative to support H.R. 1831 today!
Learn more about Title IX
Email or tweet your Representatives today to urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 1831. Use the form located at the link below to contact your Representative today!
What is Title IX? – Women’s Sports Foundation (womenssportsfoundation.org)