Title IX Myths
Myth: Title IX requires that male athletic opportunities be decreased to provide opportunities
for female programs.
Title IX is designed to create parity in athletics, as well as other educational
opportunities and experiences for men and women. Title IX does not require schools
to cut men’s athletic programs. Each school determines how it will comply with Title
IX regulations.
Myth: Title IX applies only to discrimination against women.
While Title IX has been used mostly by women seeking to protect their rights, Title
IX also serves to protect the rights of men. Title IX requires that males and females
receive fair and equal treatment in all areas of education.
Myth: According to Title IX, all educational activities and programs must be co-ed
and open to both men and women.
Title IX specifically allows for, or has been interpreted to allow for, single-sex
programs in a number of categories. Included among those are: religious schools, traditional
men’s/women’s colleges, social fraternities/sororities and youth service organizations
such as the Boy/Girl Scouts of America and beauty pageants.
Myth: Gender bias in science, medicine and engineering is not prohibited by Title
IX.
The underrepresentation of women in science, medicine and engineering may violate
Title IX. Educational institutions are required to provide women in these disciplines
resources, support and promotional opportunities comparable to their male colleagues.