Which statement best describes Title IX's requirements for gender equity in athletics?

• A. Substantially equivalent opportunities and resources for male and female athletes.
• B. Parity is not required.
• C. Parity is limited to scholarships only.
• D. Equity applies only to male programs.

Answer: (A)

Title IX requires that athletic programs receiving federal funds provide substantially equivalent opportunities and resources for male and female athletes. This means the overall access to sport opportunities, and the level of support—facilities, equipment, coaching, practice and competition time, travel, medical and academic resources, and scholarships—should be comparable for both genders. It isn’t limited to scholarships or to perfectly identical budgets in every category, but the opportunities and resources must be substantially equal. Schools can demonstrate compliance through proportionate opportunities, expanding programs for the underrepresented gender, or addressing the interests and abilities of the students.