Interview Transcript
Source:
Email Interview
October 31st, 2011
Tom Osborne
Head football coach, University of Nebraska 1972-1997,
Republican Congressman 2001-2007,
Athletic Director, University of Nebraska 2007 - current
Email Interview
October 31st, 2011
Tom Osborne
Head football coach, University of Nebraska 1972-1997,
Republican Congressman 2001-2007,
Athletic Director, University of Nebraska 2007 - current
1. I think the general perception of Title IX is positive. It certainly has given female athletes many more opportunities. On the other hand, there have been a number of men’s sports that have been abolished in order to meet the general legal test of Title IX, which is proportionality. For example, our men’s swimming program at Nebraska has been abolished and in many places around the country, wrestling programs and men’s track programs, as well as swimming and sometimes baseball have been cut in order to have the percentages of women more nearly match the proportionality test.
2. Title IX has benefited women’s athletics by providing them with more opportunities and better facilities.
3. Title IX has caused some additional administrative burden, in that we have to make sure that we are in compliance with Title IX regulations. Whenever a lawsuit is caused by a perceived Title IX violation, it certainly adds to administrative and legal activity.
4. The University of Nebraska has enough resources that we have been able to add several women’s sports since Title IX has been passed. We have added women’s soccer, rifle and bowling and have cut the men’s swimming program, which has enabled us to come into compliance.
5. Future challenges to implementing Title IX will arise as the cost of running intercollegiate athletic programs increases. Many sports that are currently being sponsored do not generate revenue; therefore, the resources provided by football, men’s basketball and in some cases women’s basketball have to fund all other sports. When enough money is not generated, some sports may have to be eliminated.
Best wishes,
Tom Osborne
2. Title IX has benefited women’s athletics by providing them with more opportunities and better facilities.
3. Title IX has caused some additional administrative burden, in that we have to make sure that we are in compliance with Title IX regulations. Whenever a lawsuit is caused by a perceived Title IX violation, it certainly adds to administrative and legal activity.
4. The University of Nebraska has enough resources that we have been able to add several women’s sports since Title IX has been passed. We have added women’s soccer, rifle and bowling and have cut the men’s swimming program, which has enabled us to come into compliance.
5. Future challenges to implementing Title IX will arise as the cost of running intercollegiate athletic programs increases. Many sports that are currently being sponsored do not generate revenue; therefore, the resources provided by football, men’s basketball and in some cases women’s basketball have to fund all other sports. When enough money is not generated, some sports may have to be eliminated.
Best wishes,
Tom Osborne
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