title ix laws and intercollegiate athletics

  research paper by Michael Lancaster

The topic of Title IX laws and how it affects intercollegiate athletics really interests me as I have a strong background in sports as an athlete and an administrator. I have had the opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division I level at Nicholls State University and Highpoint University for Track and Cross Country. 

Unfortunately, I had my scholarship as well as my fellow male teammates’ scholarships cut at Nicholls State University so that the athletic program would be in NCAA Title IX compliance.  There is no longer a men’s track and cross country program at Nicholls State University due to Title IX laws.  As a result I transferred to California State University, Monterey Bay where I was offered an athletic scholarship.  Without the athletic scholarship offered here as California State University, Monterey Bay I would not be able to afford to attend University.  Many of my teammates from Nicholls State did not find new schools to attend and many had to drop out of University all together because they could not pay the required fees to attend University. 

With this experience, I have had a strong interest to find the reasoning as to why men’s athletic programs at University were cut when this Amendment is made to provide equal opportunity. Many experts argue that although the law has bridged the gender gap there is still much work to be done, and that women are still not given an equal opportunity.  Others believe that Title IX has certainly done its intended job, so well that it has now caused reverse sexism.   This research paper will thoroughly examine both sides and find if Title IX is truly providing equal opportunity or if Title IX is outdated and forcing many male collegiate athletes to suffer their chances to compete and attend University.