On June 23 1972, the Title IX of the Higher Education Act was passed as U.S. legislation. It was enacted to ensure:
“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.”
Title IX has had an impact on American society in many different ways including ensuring women athletes equal opportunities to compete and succeed in sports. The Southeastern Conference has been a leader in providing opportunities for women in sports and has enjoyed five decades of success.
The first Southeastern Conference title was awarded in 1979, since that time the SEC has created and expanded opportunities for women in sports, producing some of the great names … the great faces … and great moments in SEC history.
Over the years, the SEC has won 112 national championships in all sports. More importantly, thousands of young women have earned their college degrees on athletics scholarships.
SEC women make a difference every day in competition, in the classroom, and in the community. This year, the 50th anniversary of Title IX, we celebrate their successes and look to the opportunities ahead in SEC women's athletics.
Alexander Leaves Lasting Impact On Women's Athletics
"It gives me a great deal of pride to know that I was instrumental in opening a big door of opportunities for women that just was not there. There was not one single woman on athletic scholarship in 1971. I think that is indicative of the degree of success for the image of women. Not only did it just happen with athletics, but I think it just spread."
