Girls & women in sports: The 40th anniversary of Title IX

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Baylor University's Brittney Griner led her team to the NCAA women's basketball championship in 2012. (Jerry Larsen/AP)

Hour 2

This Sunday marks the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the civil rights law passed by Congress and signed into law by President Richard Nixon on June 23, 1972. It prohibits gender discrimination in educational programs or activities at schools and colleges that receive federal funds.  The landmark ruling significantly increased opportunities for young girls and women to compete in sports at all levels and dramatically changed the way society views the role of women in school, in the workplace and at home.  Since Title IX was enacted, the number of girls playing high school sports has increased tenfold and the number of women playing NCAA varsity sports increased more than six times.   Joining us to talk about the legacy of Title IX and the challenges that remain are TERRY FROMSON of the Women’s Law Project; DEIRDRE KANE, women’s basketball coach at West Chester University; and ELLEN STAUROWSKY, professor of sports management at Drexel University.

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[audio: 061912_110630.mp3]

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