Published: October 8, 2008
In this case, winning is everything.
For too many girls, the likelihood of their participation and the quality of their playing experience is far from equal. With this in mind, we are launching a new campaign: V is for Victory, So is IX to ensure that girls and women have an equal opportunity to excel in sports. This campaign targets you plus your students, friends, parents, coaches and administrators to ensure that you have the tools you need to advocate for Title IX in your schools.
What We Do
In three target states: California, Washington and Pennsylvania, the Women’s Sports Foundation is partnering with legal expert centers: the California Women’s Law Center (CLWC), the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU) and the Women’s Law Project (WLP) to provide education, resources and technical assistance to parents, students, coaches and administrators to level the playing field in those communities. In each region, the law centers are armed with the legal knowledge and expertise to provide individuals with technical assistance and support as they navigate the channels to make positive change within their schools. Additionally, the Foundation has local staff providing free educational workshops to parents, coaches and students. All participants leave with resources to act, step-by-step, on behalf of Title IX victory.
Who We Are
All of our organizations are committed to equality of opportunity in sports. The V is for Victory. So is IX. campaign is led by:
California Women’s Law Center
The California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) works to ensure, through systemic change, that life opportunities for women and girls are free from unjust social, economic and political constraints. It is critical that girls of all ages have the ability to develop athletically, as research has shown that the benefits of sports participation to women and girls are profound. High school girls who participate in team sports are less likely to drop out of school, smoke, drink or become pregnant, and are more likely to go on to college. The skills gained from sports participation, including teamwork, leadership and discipline, are crucial as women progress in the corporate world at higher levels than ever before.
Women’s Law Project
The Women’s Law Project has engaged in extensive advocacy and litigation to both expand the opportunities available to girls and women in intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics and eliminate discriminatory treatment. Our past work includes: obtaining improvements in equipment, coaching and facilities for the University of Pennsylvania’s female athletes; successfully litigating the discriminatory assignment of female athletic officials to interscholastic basketball games; assisting Pennsylvania parents and coaches win additional opportunities for female students in two Pennsylvania school districts; eliminating pregnancy discrimination in athletics at Sacred Heart University; and obtaining a preliminary injunction and settlement agreement to provide female athletes at Slippery Rock University with equal opportunity and treatment. The WLP also published a comprehensive analysis of Title IX compliance data for Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities using publicly available data. These records were collected by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Post-Secondary Education pursuant to the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act.
ACLU OF Washington State
The Bill of Rights would only be well-meaning promises if people did not fight to protect it. The ACLU is the nation’s premiere organization dedicated to defending and expanding civil liberties and civil rights for all in America. Our job is to conserve America's original civic values — the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Find out how Title IX and state law can help create a strong sports program in your school. We will help you identify common problems and cost-effective solutions for your athletic program and improve gender equity in your school or community sports programs.
Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation leads the fight against discrimination and works toward gender equity in sports. We make sure that current Title IX law is upheld, giving girls and women equal access to athletics and scholarship opportunities. We advocate for public policy that gives more girls opportunities to be active. Our work shapes public attitude about women’s sports. We promote champion athletes, coaches and other strong role models for girls. We advocate for access to activity and leadership roles for girls and women. We are ready to bring our knowledge to your community and to your schools. Contact us to set up at free educational workshop on Title IX in our campaign cities: Los Angeles, Seattle or Philadelphia.