Key Findings Show Majority of U.S. Adults Support Title IX and Believe in the Administration’s Responsibility to Uphold the Legislation
New York, NY (June 15, 2017) – This June 23rd marks the 45th anniversary of Title IX, when Congress proclaimed that “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.” Since then, the number of girls participating in sports has increased from one in twenty-seven to two in five. Research has proven the significant benefits girls receive from sports participation including health, education, and leadership skills. On this milestone anniversary, the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) commissioned research company YouGov to conduct a national survey on public support for Title IX and girls’ equitable participation in sports in order to demonstrate continued need to ensure equal access to athletic opportunities for girls and women.
In new survey findings released today, nearly six in 10 (57%) U.S. adults approve of Title IX, with only 9% disapproving and 33% saying they are either not sure or don’t know enough to say.
WSF found that 73% of U.S. adults believe that high schools and colleges provide better support for boys’ sports programs than girls sports programs. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults approve of directing new or existing funding to ensure equal athletic opportunities and support for women, and further, 62% of US adults believe that it is important that the Department of Education ensures that Title IX, as it applies to sports, is enforced.
“Findings from the recent survey demonstrate the vital role that Title IX plays in ensuring equal opportunity for girls and women, and the significant value that the American public places on the legislation,” said Dr. Deborah Antoine, Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Sports Foundation. “WSF is proud to be a leading authority on Title IX, and we hope to carry the torch so that future generations can have their full rights secured under the law.”
While 86% of U.S. adults agree that participating in sports promotes leadership and teamwork skills, only four in ten U.S. adults know what steps they could take to help girls become more active in sports. This is why continued efforts by advocacy organizations like the Women’s Sports Foundation are so essential to securing athletic opportunities for girls and women. The Women’s Sports Foundation works closely with national organizations, industry leaders, educators, administrators, students and families across the country, as well as legislators on Capitol Hill, to inform the public of their protections under the law and uphold Title IX rights.
The Women’s Sports Foundation has also developed a mobile game, Play IX, in order to help female student athletes and teams learn about and engage with Title IX, and raise awareness so that future generations can advocate for their rights. The game will be introduced in June 2017 and a pilot will run on select campuses when students return to school in the fall.
Other survey findings include varying attitudes towards Title IX between men and women, Millennials and older adults, and between Caucasians, African-Americans and Hispanics. To learn more and review the full report: Title IX and Girls in Sport Poll Report.
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About The Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation — the leading authority on the participation of women and girls in sports — is dedicated to creating leaders by ensuring girls access to sports. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, our work shapes public attitude about women’s sports and athletes, builds capacities for organizations that get girls active, ensures equitable opportunities for girls and women through research and Title IX advocacy, and supports physically and emotionally healthy lifestyles. The Women’s Sports Foundation has relationships with more than 1,000 of the world’s elite female athletes and is recognized globally for its leadership, vision, expertise and influence. For more information, visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
Follow us: Facebook.com/WomensSportsFoundation and Twitter @WomensSportsFdn.
About YouGov
YouGov is a pioneer in online research with offices throughout the United States, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. YouGov’s custom research specialists conduct a full spectrum of quantitative and qualitative research providing comprehensive market intelligence to the world’s leading businesses and institutions. YouGov was recently named one of the world’s top 25 research companies by the respected American Marketing Association Top 25 Report and has a proven, published record of uniquely accurate data and actionable insights informing political, cultural and commercial organizations around the globe.
PR Contact:
Kelsey Curtis
Zeno Group for the Women’s Sports Foundation
212-299-8948
Kelsey.Curtis@zenogroup.com
Survey Methodology
Total sample size was 1,372 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between May 18 and May 24. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).