This year marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the law which banned sex discrimination in academics and athletics at public institutions, essentially opening the door for women’s athletics.
IU women’s basketball coach Teri Moren wants her players to understand how life was before Title IX, the progress that’s been made in the past half century, and how to continue to push for more rights.
Celebrating and honoring 50 years of #TitleIX tonight in Henke Hall of Champions. pic.twitter.com/9cxcDPJZhk — Indiana Women’s Basketball (@IndianaWBB) June 21, 2022
“I do have to stop them in their tracks, every now and again, and remind them of what it was, what it used to be, and how grateful they should be for what we have currently,” Moren said. “But I don’t want them to also stop fighting for more.”
Listen to: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX
Leanne Grotke, IU’s first associate athletic director for women’s sports, said she hopes women will continue to become involved in other aspects of athletics that are still male-dominated.
“Where we need to really keep up the pressure is on our national organization,” Grotke said. “I think the NCAA, personally, I don’t think its kept up with the schools and what they’re providing and the opportunities.”
While it’s been 50 years since Title IX’s passing and all the progress made, Grotke, Moren and others hope it’s just the beginning.
