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Celebrating 50 years of Title IX

Celebrating 50 years of Title IX

Today (June 23) marks the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Title IX civil rights law, which protects all people from sex-based discrimination and harassment in educational institutions in the United States that receive federal funding. 

WVU’s Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Meshea L. Poore, Esq. has a special message for our campus community as we mark this historic milestone.

“Today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Title IX civil rights law, which protects all people from sex-based discrimination and harassment in educational institutions in the United States that receive federal funding.

For the past half a century, this law has protected and inspired individuals to dream big and to pursue their dreams without fear of being discriminated against or excluded from participation on the basis of their sex or gender.

Title IX is far-reaching and an important part of our nation’s commitment to protecting the rights of every person.

Of course, one of the most visible impacts of Title IX has been in the field of sports and athletics. Title IX expanded opportunities for everyone to participate in these activities – with increased variety of sports teams and more resources than were available prior to the passage of Title IX. Given the role athletics plays in our nation in terms of providing opportunities for educational scholarships and leadership development, this is a very significant advancement of individual rights.

But Title IX provides equity in parts of our lives far beyond sports.

It provides protection in terms of employment, financial aid, admissions to programs, treatment of pregnant and parenting students, and freedom from sexual harassment.

West Virginia University is committed to upholding and championing Title IX rights for all students, faculty and staff. The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s Office of Equity Assurance, led by our Title IX Coordinator James Goins Jr, is dedicated to making sure Title IX rights are a reality throughout the WVU system.

WVU’s efforts to live up to its values of service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation and our mission of creating a diverse and inclusive culture that advances education, healthcare and prosperity for all are strengthened because of Title IX.

Happy 50th Anniversary, Title IX!

Let’s Go, Mountaineers!”

The full statement is also available at diversity.wvu.edu