Interview Transcript
Source:
Email Interview
October 29th, 2011
Dr. Donna Lopiano,
CEO Women's Sports Foundation ( 1992-2007),
Director of Women's Athletics,University of Texas at Austin (1975-1992),
Consultant to the U.S. Office for Civil Rights Department of Health, Education and Welfare Title IX Task Force
Email Interview
October 29th, 2011
Dr. Donna Lopiano,
CEO Women's Sports Foundation ( 1992-2007),
Director of Women's Athletics,University of Texas at Austin (1975-1992),
Consultant to the U.S. Office for Civil Rights Department of Health, Education and Welfare Title IX Task Force
On Sat, Oct 29, 2011 at 7:39 PM, Donna Lopiano <dlopiano@sportsmanagementresources.com> wrote:
see answer below...
1) Before Title IX was passed, in your education and career, did you face any barriers because of your gender? Did you see any signs displays which said "Girls not allowed"?
When I attended high school from 1961 to 1964, there were no state championships for any girls high school sport. When I attended college 1964-68, there were no national championships or scholarships for female athletes. No signs were posted. Programs simply weren't offered. If there were teams for women, they were coached by our physical education teachers who did so as volunteers and drove us to games in cars.
2) What was your reaction when Title IX was passed in 1972?
In 1972, no one knew that Title IX or "equal educational opportunities" included sports programs. That was not made apparent until 1974. All female athletes and coaches were very happy but most people associated with men's athletics were pretty angry. They felt that sharing their money with female athletes would hurt men's programs.
3) In your opinion, how has Title IX revolutionized opportunities for women? Do you have any stories to share from your personal life or from people that you know that have benefited from this law?
I was too old to benefit as an athlete but the fact that I became an athletic director was a result of Title IX.
4) As you climbed your ladder of success what were some of your personal experiences/hardships that you had to endure?
I was very fortunate to be one of the first female athletics directors. Women are still being discriminated against with regard to participation and employment opportunities. Personally, it is simply difficult to have to fight every day for money and resources and equality even though the law requires it. Institutions are still ignoring the law and shortchanging female athletes.
see answer below...
1) Before Title IX was passed, in your education and career, did you face any barriers because of your gender? Did you see any signs displays which said "Girls not allowed"?
When I attended high school from 1961 to 1964, there were no state championships for any girls high school sport. When I attended college 1964-68, there were no national championships or scholarships for female athletes. No signs were posted. Programs simply weren't offered. If there were teams for women, they were coached by our physical education teachers who did so as volunteers and drove us to games in cars.
2) What was your reaction when Title IX was passed in 1972?
In 1972, no one knew that Title IX or "equal educational opportunities" included sports programs. That was not made apparent until 1974. All female athletes and coaches were very happy but most people associated with men's athletics were pretty angry. They felt that sharing their money with female athletes would hurt men's programs.
3) In your opinion, how has Title IX revolutionized opportunities for women? Do you have any stories to share from your personal life or from people that you know that have benefited from this law?
I was too old to benefit as an athlete but the fact that I became an athletic director was a result of Title IX.
4) As you climbed your ladder of success what were some of your personal experiences/hardships that you had to endure?
I was very fortunate to be one of the first female athletics directors. Women are still being discriminated against with regard to participation and employment opportunities. Personally, it is simply difficult to have to fight every day for money and resources and equality even though the law requires it. Institutions are still ignoring the law and shortchanging female athletes.
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