Title IX ensured balanced cutbacks
Title IX is always on Candice Storey Lee's mind and the Vanderbilt athletics director believes that's how it should be for any administrator running college programs. "I would hope that's part of our DNA and that it is seen in how we make decisions on a day-to-day basis," Lee said. By most accounts, it is. It certainly was during the height of the covid-19 pandemic. At times, Title IX was at the forefront of decisions by ADs. When schools examined which programs might be cut to save money as the spread of the virus shut down the sports world in 2020, the law prohibiting sex-based discrimination was a major factor.
By Aaron Beard
Title IX is always on Candice Storey Lee’s mind and the Vanderbilt athletics director believes that’s how it should be for any administrator running college programs.
“I would hope that’s part of our DNA and that it is seen in how we make decisions on a day-to-day basis,” Lee said.
By most accounts, it is.
It certainly was during the height of the covid-19 pandemic. At times, Title IX was at the forefront of decisions by ADs. When schools examined which programs might be cut to save money as the spread of the virus shut down the sports world in 2020, the law prohibiting sex-based discrimination was a major factor.
It was an example of how Title IX ensures equity between men and women in education and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal funds, such as student financial aid.
“The law is meant to shape decision-making and behavior, and it has done that,” Virginia Athletics Director Carla Williams said. “I think it will continue to do that.”