Recognizing the 48th Anniversary of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and its impact on the growth of women who participated in college sports from 29,972 in 1972 to over 221,000 in 2019.

WHEREAS, The year 2020 marks the 48th Anniversary of the enactment of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and

WHEREAS, Title IX was proposed in response to an industry-wide pattern of sex-based discrimination in higher education. The title states in part, “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 financial assistance”; and

WHEREAS, Since the enactment of Title IX, the total number of female collegiate athletes increased by 737% from 29,972 in 1972 to over 221,000 in 2019. The number of female athletes provided scholarships increased from 4,776 in 1982 to 10,783 in 2019; and

WHEREAS, Participation in school sports helps students build confidence, discipline, and ability to manage stress in the face of adversity. This kind of development prepares the next generation of community leaders; and

WHEREAS, School-associated athletics programs are just one part of the important impact that Title IX has had on young women. In the 48 years since the enactment of Title IX, women have begun to complete college at higher rates than men and have begun earning post-graduate degrees in record numbers; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia recognizes the integral role of sports in molding the futures of young women and that providing them opportunities to engage in traditional and non-traditional athletics is an ongoing responsibility; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes the 48th anniversary of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and reflects on the ongoing responsibility of the city to ensure children have equal access to the benefits of team sports and other educational programs throughout their school careers.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to commemorate the progress made under Title IX thus far, and the progress that is yet to come.

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