MARQUETTE, Mich.—A roundtable discussion on the impact of Title IX legislation on women’s athletics and education will be hosted by the Beaumier Upper Peninsula Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University. The event begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in 105 Cohodas Hall. It is free and open to the public.

The roundtable will feature individuals whose lives and work have been affected by Title IX legislation: Barb Patrick, retired NMU coach and assistant athletic director; Jamie Tuma, Marquette Senior High School athletic director; Rebecca Mead, NMU history professor; and Cindy Paavola, NMU communications and marketing director, who formerly worked in sports information and journalism. This discussion is in conjunction with the Beaumier Center’s current exhibition, “U.P. Power! High School Sports in Upper Michigan.”

On June 23, 1972, Congress passed what would become known as “Title IX,” which was actually part of the Education Amendments of 1972. This law would have far-reaching ramifications by mandating that women should have the same educational opportunities as men in federally funded institutions. One of the biggest changes was that school districts were required to provide as many athletic opportunities for females as males.   

This roundtable will deal not only with how the law came into being, but also the changes that have taken place over the past 41 years.  The discussion will address the following areas: a quick historical snapshot of each individual’s personal involvement with Title IX; the impact of Title IX on the entire female population at a university or high school receiving federal funds; and the status of compliance with Title IX today at local institutions and on a nationwide level.