What exactly is title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, now known as the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act in honor of its principal author, but more commonly known simply as Title IX, is a United States law enacted on June 23, 1972 that 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 education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

There is a three prong test of compliance:

1. Prong one - Providing athletic opportunities that are substantially proportionate to the student enrollment, OR
2. Prong two - Demonstrate a continual expansion of athletic opportunities for the underrepresented sex, OR
3. Prong three - Full and effective accommodation of the interest and ability of underrepresented sex. There is a lot of controversy over this because they don't know if this is the best way to analyze Title IX's intended purpose, which is to eliminate discrimination based on sex.

Title IX has increased the opportunity for many women in athletics. Female teams have grown and female coaches have increased as well.