AAUW San Jose - Sports Equity Project

The American Association of University Women strongly supports Title IX and opposes any efforts that would weaken its effectiveness or undermine its enforcement. Commonly known for creating opportunities for women and girls in athletics, Title IX affects all areas of education. It has made it possible for women to pursue careers as lawyers, doctors, mechanics, scientists and professional athletes.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: 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.

AAUW San Jose’s Sports Equity Project raises awareness that athletics offers a pathway to success for many women and girls, one to which, by law, they are guaranteed the same access that has long been given to boys. Sports Equity also partners with the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI). The BITS program encourages women to “Be In The Seats” at local women’s and girl’s sporting events as a visible demonstration of support for and interest in sports.

Projects and Accomplishments

2013  A Directory of Title IX Coordinators (90kb DOC) for all 31 school districts in Santa Clara County was compiled and distributed to all Title IX Coordinators and Superintendents.

2012 AAUW San Jose was invited to provide “Title IX training” for the Campbell Union High School District. Findings of the AAUW report “Crossing the Line: Sexual Harassment at School” were presented to a receptive audience of about 30 deans and guidance counselors. The presentation is available to other districts.

2012 The four high school districts in central San Jose committed to including Title IX information in student handbooks and/or on their websites. AAUW supplied posters with Title IX information to be displayed at schools. Flyers were provided for incoming freshmen girls encouraging them to go out for sports along with information for their parents about the benefits of sports to girls.

2011 Know the Score: A checklist of four basic Title IX compliance indicators. Ten high schools in San Jose and 4 in nearby cities were observed. Conclusion: Generally, opportunities for girls are fairly good. Facilities, uniforms, number of games are similar to boys. Administrators knew that Title IX requires equitable treatment and opportunities for boys and girls. Few knew who the Title IX Coordinator was for their district. After working with the schools, Title IX Coordinators for all districts were identified or named. There was a positive response to working with AAUW for improvement of understanding and complying with Title IX.

2010 “Be in the Seats” documented that AAUW San Jose members attended more than 100 women’s and girl’s athletic events in commemoration of the 100th aniversary of our Branch.