The Implementation of Title IX at Indiana University: A Historical Case Study

This study documents the origin and development of athletics for women at Indiana University (IU) during the years of 1965-2014. This time frame was selected to address the era of transition from extramural sports to varsity athletics at IU with emphasis on the effect of Title IX on women’s athletics. The varsity athletics program for women evolved out of the extramural sports program in the Department of Physical Education for Women. Title IX of the Educational Amendments passed in 1972 brought changes to the administration
and to the funding of women’s athletics. Stakeholders at Indiana University disagreed about the nature of change, the speed of change and the funding of changes. The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988 required IU to increase program offerings and funding for women’s sports. Stakeholders fought over increases and implementations of Title IX that affected both men’s and women’s athletics. While gender equity has yet to be realized, the university continues to work towards growing funding and participation opportunities for
women’s athletic programs.