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Equality, sports, and Title IX - Erin Buzuvis and Kristine Newhall

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In 1972, U.S. Congress passed Title IX, a law which prohibited discrimination against women in schools, colleges, and universities -- including school-sponsored sports. Before this law, female athletes were few and far between, and funding was even scarcer. Erin Buzuvis and Kristine Newhall explore the significance and complexity of Title IX.

Jefferson High School decides to add a girls’ softball team in order to demonstrate progress towards equality. Yet, because there is already a football field, a baseball field, and a soccer field on high school property, there is not room to add a softball field. So JHS makes arrangements with the city for the softball team to play on a municipal field that is used by local amateur leagues. The field is two miles away from school. There is no locker room for the girls to use, and the field does not have lights or a concession stand. Maintenance such as mowing and lining of the field does not occur on a regular basis. In comparison, all of the facilities at Jefferson High School have locker rooms available and are well maintained. The football stadium has a concession stand and the baseball field has lights. If you were a member of the JHS softball team, would you think this is fair? What would you do about it?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Erin Buzuvis, Kristine Newhall
  • Director Kat Llewellyn
  • Narrator Sarah Charles

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