Because of Title IX . . .
This year, on June 23, we celebrate the 45th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that receives federal funding. It applies to all students and staff, male or female, preschool through postgraduate school. Title IX expanded athletic and educational opportunities for women and has helped to prevent and address gender-based harassment and discrimination.
Here are the stories of some of the women of Harford Community College as they reflect on and celebrate their accomplishments in the area of athletics, and how this groundbreaking legislation has contributed to their successes.
Without the chance to do gymnastics I would not have attended the college I went to, have the same friends, the same experience, or the same career path. My life without Title IX would have led to me being a completely different person that I am today. The athletic and academic opportunities I have had over the course of my life have shaped me to be the strong woman I am today.
I played tennis for Gardner Webb University for three seasons, 82/83 to 84/85 (Team Captain 84/85). I graduated in three years, and then went to grad school at NC State. When I was playing tennis, we had to fight to get the same benefits as our men's team – i.e. meal money, uniforms, etc.
Playing collegiate tennis was one of the best experiences I ever had. It taught me to be a strong time manager and how to win and lose with grace. And, perhaps most importantly, that life wasn't fair. I certainly lost to players weaker than myself and beat players to whom I should have lost. I would not trade my college tennis days for anything in the world.
- Brenda Morrison, Vice President of External Relations and Human Resources
As a former student athlete and coach, I think the greatest impact that Title IX has had on my life is that it removed the barriers that used to exist for females who wanted to participate in athletics. My first experience playing sports was playing on a baseball team for 5- and 6-year-old boys because my hometown's recreation department did not offer softball for girls until age 8. I was the only girl on the team and many of the boys did not want me on their team because they assumed a girl could not play baseball. It was uncomfortable, but I loved to play the game – so I stuck it out for three years until I had the opportunity to play softball. Fortunately, by the time I went to high school and college, Title IX had helped to eradicate many of the inequities that were once common between male and female athletics programs.
I have personally benefitted from Title IX because participating in athletics helped me develop the confidence necessary to be a leader both on and off the field. Playing competitive sports instilled in me the drive that has helped me to persevere and be successful. I have enjoyed many memorable experiences and have earned many accolades during my time as both a player and a coach that would not have been possible if Title IX had not been enacted.
- Kim Ashman, Student Conduct and Intervention Specialist
Title IX has had a significant impact on my ability to play sports in general, let alone college. It shows more so, I believe, because I play softball, which would not have been nearly as advanced today without Title IX. Having the opportunity to further my sports career into college, with a scholarship, has also been helpful to get me more involved in my school. It wouldn't have been possible without Title IX.
– Savannah Meyers, Harford Varsity Softball and Volleyball player
Because of Title IX, my life has been completely changed. For the past 5 years, I've been playing sports for my school. This has enabled me to maintain my health, make friendships that I will never forget, and help pay for me to go to college. It has also given me confidence in myself as well as developing skills like teamwork, problem solving, and leadership. Without being able to play sports in school, I would not be the same person that I am today.
- Jenna Hathazi, Harford Volleyball and Tennis player
