The U.S. Department of Education is repealing a Bush-era policy that some critics argue was a way to avoid complying with federal law in providing equal opportunities for female athletes.
Under the move, schools and colleges must now provide stronger evidence that they offer equal opportunities for athletic participation under the federal Title IX gender equity law.
It reverses a 2005 policy under former President George W. Bush that allowed schools to use just a survey to prove a lack of interest in starting a new women’s sport and encouraged schools to consider a non-response to the questionnaire as disinterest.
“Discrimination continues to exist in college athletic programs and we should be vigilant in enforcing the law and protecting this important civil right,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a prepared statement.
Duncan was to announce the change alongside Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday during an event at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
“Making Title IX as strong as possible is a no-brainer,” Biden said. “What we’re doing here today will better ensure equal opportunity in athletics and allowing women to realize their potential so this nation can realize its potential.”
The Education Department has sent letters about the change in policy to more than 15,600 school districts and 5,600 college and university presidents.
