Title IX
"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..."
[Source: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972]
King knew that Title IX would play an important role in the fight for women's equality. She supported and lobbied for the legislation.
Title IX was signed into law in 1972 by President Richard Nixon.
Title IX protects students from discrimination in universities based on gender in education, athletics, and other activities that receive federal funding. Title IX also requires that universities give the same number of scholarships to men and women.
"Title IX was about education and the inclusion of sports. Prior to the passage of Title IX in 1972 many colleges and universities had quotas on the number of women who could participate in sports, enroll in their medicine, law and related degree programs. Because of Title IX we now have many more women participating in sports. We also have a balance in the number of men and women who are doctors and lawyers in this country. Title IX is working. But, we also have to remain committed to protecting the legislation. Slowly but surely, we are working to change the hearts and minds of people to match the legislation of Title IX. One of the most important advances is how fathers are now demanding the same opportunities for their daughters as they do for their sons."
-Billie Jean King in 2013, on how she thinks Title IX is working
[Source: Billie Jean King]