Title IX 50th Anniversary
June 23, 2022 is the 50th anniversary of the landmark law, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX is a civil rights law which states:
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.
The above language has been interpreted and challenged over the years, resulting in greater participation opportunities for women in sports, stronger university responses to complaints of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, equality in access to education for all students, more equitable representation in university employees, and more equitable distribution of degrees. And, on June 16, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education confirmed that Title IX protects students from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. One constant amongst all the change Title IX wrought is that the meaning and application of Title IX has been driven by activists, university students and employees, and federal agencies, which is why it is so important for the WSU community to learn and be part of this historic anniversary. Please join your colleagues and peers in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX at one of the many programs offered this year at WSU or learn more about Title IX (more information in the below sections).
Programming
Programs and activities are being offered throughout the WSU system, in-person and via Zoom during the Spring and Summer. Please join us!
February 11 – 5:30 PM (Athletics and Invitees)
Power of IX Pioneer Reception
Cougar Lounge, Beasley Coliseum
February 11 – 7:00 PM (OPEN)
WBB vs UCLA and Power of IX Celebration
Beasley Coliseum
February 17 – 4:00-5:30pm (Open, registration required)
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Washington – Celebrating Title IX Panel Discussion
Join AAUW Washington for a panel discussion about Title IX – 50 years of Breaking Barriers, A Review of Title IX – On Campus, in the Courts, and with AAUW LAF.
Panelists: Holly Ashkannejhad, Malinda Gaul, Anne Levinson, Linda Mangel
March 4 – 1:00 PM (OPEN)
WSU Alumni Association Women’s Leadership Summit
Join the WSU Alumni Association for “How Far We’ve Come: A Reflection on the Impact of Title IX.” Dr. Noel Schulz, WSU First Lady, will moderate a panel, including Jane Yung, Dr. Sue Durrant, Marcia Saneholtz, Cindy Brunson, Jeanne Helfer, and Mykiaa Minniss.
March 2 – 10:30 AM (Open Zoom)
Know Your Rights
Hosted by WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights Director, Holly Ashkannejhad, this training is provided to help students and staff learn more about resources and reporting options available to you.
March 7 – All Day (OPEN)
Power of IX Campaign Launch
Cougar Athletic Fund
March 8 – 5:30 PM (Athletics and Invitees)
Athletics’ Women’s Empowerment Forum
Martin Stadium, 2nd Floor
March 17 – 4:00PM
Know Your Rights (OPEN, Zoom)
Hosted by WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights Director, Holly Ashkannejhad, this training is provided to help students and staff learn about the history of Title IX, the impact of activists, and the changing understanding of this historic law. Information about WSU’s processes will also be shared.
March 26
Kids’ Science and Engineering Day (KSED)
Society of Women Engineers
March 29, 11:30 – 1:00pm
Title IX Celebratory Lunch (Spokane, Student Diversity Center)
Contact: Jim Mohr, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, WSU Spokane
April 6, 10:30 AM (Open, Zoom)
Know Your Rights
Hosted by WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights Director, Holly Ashkannejhad, this training is provided to help students and staff learn more about resources and reporting options available to you.
April 13 – All Day (OPEN)
Cougs Give Day
April 6 – 11:00-3:00pm (Open, WSU TC, Student Union Building)
50th Anniversary of Title IX
Including: Clothesline and Bandana Project, SARC Workshop, Tabling from advocacy groups
Contact: Jordyn Creighton, Director of Student Support and Engagement, WSU Tri-Cities
April 21st – 4:00-5:00pm (OPEN, Zoom)
Panel on Title IX
Join WSU system partners in a discussion on the impact and role of Title IX in the WSU community.
Domanic Thomas, Sgt. Dawn Daniels, Rachel Brooks, Jill Creighton, Tammy Crawford, moderated by Holly Ashkannejhad and/or Jaime Nolan
May 12, 10:00-11am
ADA and Title IX – (OPEN, Zoom)
Learn about the intersectionality of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX.
Kiara Drake
June 23 – All Day (OPEN)
50th Anniversary of Title IX
POSTPONED, TBD
Violence Prevention on Campus: A Title IX Story (OPEN, Zoom)
Join WSU’s Health Promotions team, Rebekah Millermacphee and Taylor Ellsworth, in a presentation on the relationship between Title IX and Violence Prevention.
September 16-17 – TBD (Athletics and Invitees; Game Day is Open)
Athletics Hall of Fame Weekend Celebration
Department will honor an all-women class
Date TBD
Women’s Center Programming (OPEN)
Amy Sharp
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about Title IX, there are many resources available to you.
- Visit the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights Reading Room for interpretations, guidance, case resolutions, reports, and publications relating to Title IX and other civil rights laws.
- Visit the Department of Justice for a comprehensive overview of Title IX.
- Visit the WSU Library for a plethora of materials about Title IX.
- Request a training or view an on-demand training from WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights: Trainings
- Visit external resources, such as Know Your IX, a non-profit organization dedicated to building awareness of Title IX rights and advocating for students.