Titlle IX and Cheerleading
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal finance assistance (*Title IX).” This excerpt from Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendment states how under this amendment no person will be discriminated or unequal from one-another based on their sex in sports. According to Title IX, “both boys and girls should have equitable opportunities to participate in and benefit from sports (*Title IX).” Since the passage of Title IX, opportunities for females in sports have increased drastically. This amendment opened the door to various opportunities for females not only within sports itself, but other opportunities outside of sporting events. One controversial issue that Title IX has been faced with is whether or not to make cheerleading a sport. Over the years cheerleading has grown to be highly popular and competitive. Even though Title IX was enacted to open opportunities for female athletes and promote female athletics, Title IX refuses to recognize cheerleading as a sport.
“Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 is the landmark legislation that bans sex discrimination in schools, whether it be in academics or athletics (http://bailiwick.lib.uiowa.edu/ge/aboutRE.html).” Title IX ended discrimination against woman in sports, and lead to various opportunities for females with athletics and academics. Prior to Title IX being enacted sports and athletic programs were growing on college campuses across the country; the quantity and types of sports being offered to students increased. Although, the opportunities being offered to the undergraduates at these colleges were not for everyone, only male athletes. “Athletic competition for female undergraduates saw limited development, however, with the exception of sports-related activities