Nicole M. LaVoi, Ph.D.
Based on my previous blog about hockey injuries, checking, and unequal media coverage of two Minnesota hockey players who were recently severely injured, I was asked to write a commentary for Minnesota Public Radio (@MPR)
You can read the commentary on the MPR website, “Tale of two hockey players offers a sharp look at gender equity in sports”
I read two well written and illuminating pieces yesterday that outlined the many ways in which the International Olympic Committee (IOC) appears not to support female athletes and gender equity. I thought I would share them here in case you didn’t see them.
Under Rogge, women’s sports are getting short shrift in Olympics, by USA Columnist Christine Brennan.
To walk the walk about supporting women, IOC must pick softball for 2016, by Chicago Tribune reporter Philip Hersh
Title IX is a federal law passed in 1972 that requires gender equity for boys and girls in every educational program that receives federal funding. Many argue it is one of the most influential laws in recent history. In the realm of sport it has resulted in an explosion of sport participation for girls at all levels including youth interscholastic, and intercollegiate. In 1972 1 in 27 girls played high school sport, today that number is around 1 in 2.5! The Director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Mary Jo Kane, is often quoted, “In one generation we’ve gone from girls hoping there was a team, to girls hoping they’d make the team.”
On June 23, 2009 as Title IX turns 37, we can celebrate the many gains made in all educational contexts for girls but we all need to commit to ensuring the law remains viable for the next 37 years and more!
Here are two of my favorite websites I turn to for information on Title IX:
Title IX
The National Women’s Law Center
One Sport Voice 