Insight

Jumping Hurdles toward the Finish Line

Forty-five years of progress with Title IX.

Title IX seeks to change cultural norms
MH

Meredith Aldridge, Colleen Welch, and Alicia Hall

July 25, 2017 11:17 AM

Although most female scholars and athletes today take for granted that they are equals in the classroom and on the field, such parity was far from certain in 1972. Forty-five years ago, Congress enacted groundbreaking legislation prohibiting sex discrimination in any “education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” A relatively unknown law at passage, Title IX catapulted to the forefront of the education realm—and society as a whole—following the social injustice struggles of the 1960s. At its core, Title IX sought to do much more than provide equal opportunities for female scholars. It sought to change cultural norms. The general public began to accept that some women would rather play basketball than take home economics classes, or they might prefer an engineering career to a nursing career.

As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of this momentous law, its evolution is evident. What used to be a primarily sports-focused law is now being used to combat sex discrimination on a broader scale. Supreme Court interpretations and guidance materials from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights have expanded the scope of Title IX. Schools are now required to have a dedicated Title IX coordinator to oversee compliance efforts. Not only does this designee ensure that Title IX requirements are met, but he or she must also coordinate any investigations of claimed violations. In recent years, the adequacy of the investigative process has been the subject of numerous lawsuits, typically centered on sexual harassment or sexual violence claims. As schools seek to keep up with the current state of Title IX, legal counsel is a must.

Title IX applies to all forms of sex discrimination in federally funded education.

For example, pregnant and parenting students must be afforded equal opportunities and support. Further, Title IX schools are prohibited from discriminating based on marital status, including making any pre-admission inquiry as to the marital status of applicants.

And Title IX doesn’t stop there. To ensure equal representation in educational opportunities, recipients are required to take affirmative steps to narrow gender gaps. Most prominently seen in STEM areas, schools are taking steps to equalize gender ratios in science, technology, engineering, and math courses. Identified by the National Women’s Law Center as the “next generation of Title IX,” schools are making calculated efforts to advance STEM studies and careers by training teachers about stereotypes and implicit biases, as well as hiring and retaining additional female STEM faculty. Progressive schools are purposefully and strategically improving the climate for females in STEM.

However, the Office for Civil Rights can only do so much. For Title IX to truly be effective, students and faculty must feel capable and comfortable identifying deficiencies and violations. Title IX prohibits retaliation against any student, teacher, or coach who files a complaint alleging a violation of Title IX or participates in the investigative process. In short, the educational institution must create a culture for reporting that is free from fear, intimidation, coercion, and harassment.

Title IX is an expansive law that has helped to level the playing field in federally funded educational programs. Despite these great strides, more must be done to address emerging issues. Sexual assault on college campuses has been a hot topic in recent years, as high-profile litigation has focused the spotlight on the policies—or lack thereof—to address such incidents. Online harassment must be taken seriously.

Schools must fairly balance the rights of victims with the rights of the accused. And schools must be committed to justice whether it comes from criminal courts or the school’s internal proceedings.

In this ever-changing climate, it is critical that schools seek legal guidance to ensure continued compliance with Title IX. Institutions must not only develop and enforce best practices, but they must also continuously monitor and evaluate Title IX. Retaining legal counsel to assist with compliance efforts should be incorporated into all schools’ risk avoidance discussions.

From pre-kindergarten to post-graduate studies, Title IX compliance is much more than a numbers game for male and female opportunities. We must continue to combat any form of sex discrimination that might push women out of educational programs. As we celebrate 45 years of progress, we must keep an eye on the finish line.

-----------------

Meredith Aldridge, Colleen Welch, and Alicia Hall are attorneys in the Jackson, Mississippi, office of Maron Marvel Bradley Anderson & Tardy LLC. Meredith, Colleen, and Alicia lead the firm’s efforts to assist schools as they navigate the complexities of Title IX compliance. They represent a portion of the firm’s diverse group of attorneys who are dedicated to leveraging technology and forward thinking to provide clients with a unique advantage in complex litigation. Maron Marvel Bradley Anderson & Tardy LLC is a nationally recognized law firm with attorneys located in 11 offices, in Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. The firm represents public and private entities of all sizes and provides risk management, compliance, and litigation services across the board.

Related Articles

IN PARTNERSHIP

Easton & Easton: Let Our Family Help Yours


by Justin Smulison

For more than 50 years, Easton & Easton have continued to be the go-to trial law firm for injury and wrongful death claims in Southern California in 2023.

Group of lawyers pose at table with globe in forefront

PA Supreme Court Strikes Down Constitutional Amendment


by Gregory Sirico

Best Lawyers weighs in on the recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision to strike down on "Marsy's Law" and what that could mean for victim's rights around the state.

PA Supreme Court Decision on Marsy's Law

Success and Leadership by All Measures


by Justin Smulison

Lubin & Meyer Continues to Secure Medical Malpractice and Injury Results That Protect Victims and Inspire Change

Lubin & Meyer Continue to Secure Legal Result

Civil Rights Cases are Part of MLK’s Legacy, But Many are Moving to State Courts


by John Ettorre

We take a closer look at civil rights litigation and how cases are evolving.

Civil Rights Cases are Moving to State Courts

Washington D.C. 2022 "Lawyer of the Year"


by Best Lawyers

Subhashini Bollini is honored as 2022 "Lawyer of the Year" in Civil Rights Law for Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. 2022 Lawyer of the Year

John P. Relman - Washington, D.C. 2021 Lawyer of the Year


by Best Lawyers

Civil Rights Law Washington, D.C.

Headshot of John Relman

Why Was a 6-Year-Old Arrested at a Florida School?


by Christopher L. Marlowe

The Unintended Consequences of Zero Tolerance

Why Was a 6-Year-Old Arrested at School

A Legacy of Helping Those in Need


by Johanna Marmon

Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder has established itself in Connecticut as a firm that will fight for its clients.

A Legacy of Helping Those in Need

In the News: Austin/San Antonio


by Compiled by Tess Congo

A summary of newsworthy content from Austin/San Antonio lawyers and law firms.

Austin/San Antonio In the News

Trending Articles

Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore


by Jennifer Verta

This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore

Revealing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria


by Jamilla Tabbara

These honors underscore the reach of the Best Lawyers network and its focus on top legal talent.

map of Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria

Effective Communication: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher


by Jamilla Tabbara

The power of effective communication beyond the law.

 Image of Jefferson Fisher and Phillip Greer engaged in a conversation about effective communication

The 2025 Legal Outlook Survey Results Are In


by Jennifer Verta

Discover what Best Lawyers honorees see ahead for the legal industry.

Person standing at a crossroads with multiple intersecting paths and a signpost.

The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.

Lawyers networking

Jefferson Fisher: The Secrets to Influential Legal Marketing


by Jennifer Verta

How lawyers can apply Jefferson Fisher’s communication and marketing strategies to build trust, attract clients and grow their practice.

Portrait of Jefferson Fisher a legal marketing expert

Is Your Law Firm’s Website Driving Clients Away?


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key website issues that may be affecting client engagement and retention.

Phone displaying 'This site cannot be reached' message

A Guide to Workers' Compensation Law for 2025 and Beyond


by Bryan Driscoll

A woman with a laptop screen reflected in her glasses

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends in Texas, Utah, Georgia and SC


by Bryan Driscoll

A fresh wave of medical malpractice reform is reshaping the law.

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends hed

Why Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk Want to 'Delete All IP Law'


by Bryan Driscoll

This Isn’t Just a Debate Over How to Pay Creators. It’s a Direct Challenge to Legal Infrastructure.

Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey standing together Infront of the X logo

Best Lawyers Launches CMO Advisory Board


by Jamilla Tabbara

Strategic counsel from legal marketing’s most experienced voices.

Group photo of Best Lawyers CMO Advisory Board members

Changes in California Employment Law for 2025


by Laurie Villanueva

What employers need to know to ensure compliance in the coming year and beyond

A pair of hands holding a checklist featuring a generic profile picture and the state of California

Common Law Firm Landing Page Problems to Address


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key issues on law firm landing pages to improve client engagement and conversion.

Laptop showing law firm landing page analytics

New Employment Law Recognizes Extraordinary Stress Is Everyday Reality for NY Lawyers


by Bryan Driscoll

A stressed woman has her head resting on her hands above a laptop

Best Lawyers Introduces Smithy AI


by Jamilla Tabbara

Transforming legal content creation for attorneys and firms.

Start using Smithy AI, a content tool by Best Lawyers

How to Create High-Converting Landing Pages for Your Law Firm


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how to create high-converting law firm landing pages that drive client engagement and lead generation.

Laptop screen displaying website tools to improve client conversion rates