Title IX has been regarded as the women’s sports equality bill that has opened the door for so many female athletes here in this country and the have grown through the years. But back a few years, a college nearby had their baseball program threatened on the basis of this act, to help support the female swim and gymnastics teams instead. At the end of the baseball season the team was unfortunate to raise enough money and the college was forced to cut the team from the budget. Upon hearing of this, I was upset due to the fact I had some friends on the team and they were forced to either continue there or transfer to continue to play baseball. In my head I was mad that they were cutting a baseball team to help a struggling swim and gymnastic team stay on campus at varsity level.
Fastfoward to college and the beginning of my studies in Sport Management. I have seen a different side of Title IX that I was not aware of at the time of the baseball team getting cut. Upon coming here and studying Title IX more in depth, I have learned the positives that have come from it and what it all encompasses compared to before. Title IX is more of a general educational benefit compared to just strictly sports in the educational setting. This has opened my eyes and helped me realize what an idiot I was for believing that so many years ago.
But that is also the problem of Title IX as well, as long as it has the stigma of just being about sports and not about education like it was supposed to be then there still is an uphill battle that needs to be fought for this. I was just one person that had a mindset like this, there are probably many more like this across the country right now saying that to themselves seeing college programs cut. To make grounds in this country we need to get rid of the stigma of Title IX to make true strides in women sports in America.
Tyler,
ReplyDeleteI was in the same state of mind as you once were. I was never tought what exactly Title IX was growing up, I was only exposed to the problems in which it seemed to occur from it. I believe that schools need to expand and educate students on Title IX. I believe since the sport management field is becoming so popular, high schools should focus on teaching aspects of this field, for example Title IX. If schools don't inform and teach students about important aspects in or would such as Title IX then the stigma will always be around. I really like this entry and the points you stated.
-John Ruppert
Tyler,
ReplyDeleteI can completely relate to you on this topic. Before I came to BGSU I was very unaware of the complexity and background of Title IX. As I have gone through the program this has been the main topic that we see in every course, and rightfully so. The foundation of Title IX can help to keep sport alive for along time to come, and we must present it as an opportunity rather than a threat.
-Hunter Haas