Title IX

It's hard to believe that only 50 years ago women's sports were overlooked only because it was women playing. In June 1972, title IX was passed which protected people from being discriminated on education and other activities no matter their sex.

While title IX really helped women get equal rights in sports, it really helped women get the same opportunities in education as well. Sports Illustrated mention's what life was like for women before title IX in one of their articles,

"Women who weren't paid to teach because their husbands got a salary, or harassed out of engineering programs, or told they were too pretty to take difficult classes. "

Basketball for women before title IX was passed was not at all what it is today. Since women were looked as weak individuals they adjusted the game to be easier. For example they were only allowed to dribble three times, and the halves were 15 minutes but they made certain zones for women so they could cut back on running. Each basket was made out of peach baskets which was attached to chicken wire to serve as the backboard.

It's safe to say that women sports have come a long way, however there is still much to be done. For instance during March madness, in 2020 the men had access to a large weight room, gear, and good quality food. Men had a large room full of equipment, while women got a small make shift room with yoga mats and six pack of weight sets. Men were handed this amazing bag of gear, while women got a towel, a shirt, and some socks, oh and can't forget the umbrella they got. The men got a nice layout of food, with women getting what looks like a tv dinner set you would microwave for 30 seconds.

The NCAA came out with a statement saying it was because of space, not shortly after Sedona Prince who plays for Oregon came out with a video exposing that there was more than enough space to give to women.

People would be quick to say that it's all about money. However, the NCAA has never disclosed the difference in revenue between men and women. Even then the NCAA wouldn't let the women get more of bonus because they came out saying that they have no desire in changing the bonus structure. Which isn't surprising at all because according to Think,

"The NCAA has not contributed a penny for a single win in the tournament since its inception in 1982."

This didn't just happen in 2020, its still going on. Last March madness tournament women were once again shunned. The food, horrible quality, gear once again a crapy sleeveless hoodie and a water bottle, while the men got a whole package. This isn't just about some cool gear that players get, its to show that people are still focusing on mens sports just because a few more people watch. It's crazy to think even after having title IX passed women are still trying to fight for equal opportunities.