Compared to Iraq, the trade deficit (now at an all time record), the budget deficit, Republican hysterics over Schiavo and a few other front page items, I missed this little item:
U.S. Rule on Women's Sports May Ease College Compliance (NY Times, via Corrente)
In a move that could make it easier for colleges to show that their sports offerings for women comply with law, the Education Department has quietly issued a new clarification of the regulations interpreting Title IX, the statute barring sex discrimination at institutions that receive federal financing.
(Snip)
Under the new clarification, colleges can demonstrate that they are satisfying the demand for women's sports by taking an online survey showing that female students have no unmet sports interests. The Education Department says they may use e-mail to notify students of the survey and must offer it in a way designed to generate high response rates - as part of the registration process, for example. But, the department said, even if the nonresponse rate is high, nonresponse will be interpreted as a lack of interest.(Emphasis added.)
To demonstrate their compliance with Title IX, a part of the Education Amendments of 1972, colleges must meet one of three tests: they can show that the proportion of female athletes is at least the same as the proportion of women in the student body; they can show that they are expanding their sports programs for women; or they can show that their women's sports program "fully and effectively" accommodates the interests of female students.
The new guidance addresses how colleges may meet that third test, the one used most frequently by those trying to show compliance when under government review.
In other words, rather than do actual research to demonstrate that female college students either are or are not having their athletic needs met by the college or university (the article later notes that the status quo method for this is to survey local high schools, intramural leagues, etc. and find out if women's athletic participation varies widely outside of the college/university compared to inside), the college/university can just give an online survey. If the survey shows that most people feel their needs are met, case closed. The part of the quote that I put in bold shows that even if the survey is ignored by most of the students, that lack of response is interpreted as an indication of lack of interest (which means that the school won't have to provide athletic opportunities for women).
End result: fewer opportunities for women in sports in college.
Mia Hamm would roll over in her grave if she were dead.
Posted by baltar at March 23, 2005 03:43 PM | TrackBack | Posted to Politics