Example: Letter to Media Outlets: Newspapers, Radio and Television Stations
This letter is a sample meant to describe and engage the local media in a Title IX pitch. While written to demonstrate a concern for a local college, it could be revised to accommodate the needs and interests of high school students and may be a good template.
[Your Address/Contact Information]
[Date]
Dear [Media Target]:
I have distressing news about our higher education system and its choice to avoid fixing a big problem. Our local college [school name] ignores its responsibility to provide a fair and equal experience for all its students. In this case, I am speaking about athletics and the requirements of Title IX. A school is obligated to ensure that the overall benefits and treatments of the male and female programs are comparable. [The example that follows focuses on treatment of athletes. If your group’s concern is related to opportunities to participate or funding (you want a girls’ varsity soccer team) please target that in your statement.] The treatment categories include: equipment, facilities, publicity, scheduling, coaching, travel and daily allowance, training (medical), [tutoring, recruitment, housing/dining—typically in higher education] and support services.
The women’s teams face inequalities in funding, facilities, equipment and travel. And I am linked to the college as my daughter is enrolled and my taxes provide monetary support.
[College name] has done a great disservice to its female athletes. In the women’s team locker room, there was insufficient room to accomplish simple tasks (storing clothes and equipment, dressing and meeting). The women’s basketball team has to play in an old, small, dusty gym where the men’s team refused to play for years. The lacrosse and softball teams both need better fields because the routine maintenance has been dreadful. The women’s lacrosse and field hockey teams play with dated (and probably unsafe) equipment. I’ve even noted duct tape wrapped around sticks. Conversely, the men’s baseball team just opened its redesigned stadium, and both the men’s soccer and football teams wear new uniforms.
When I spoke with school administrators, the athletic director [name and date] and the dean (name and date] both explained that new men’s equipment and facilities were covered by the Alumni Booster Clubs and that the school did not have the resources to provide comparable amenities for the women’s programs. This type of treatment is a clear violation of Title IX. Neither administrator has taken our complaints seriously. Therefore, nothing is being done about this horrible situation.
While these inequities might be apparent in other communities, we are ready to take a stand and make changes here. I urge you to investigate with us because the consequences for our women are unacceptable. On behalf of [Advocates for Change], please contact me to plan a site visit. We will set up meetings and interviews, allowing your reporters (and photographers) to see and hear the weight of our concerns.
Sincerely,
Red. T. Go
Advocates for Change
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