Significance of Title IX

The passage of the landmark Title IX federal civil rights law in 1972 was a historic event that significantly impacted and positively altered the landscape of higher education by paving the way for gender equity in all aspects of a school’s program offerings, from education to employment, as well as with respect to extracurricular opportunities, such as athletics, scholarships, internships, and more. With Title IX’s passage, any school receiving federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education, was expressly prohibited from engaging in discrimination based on sex in their programs and activities. 

Opening Doors

Title IX opened multiple doors for people without regard to sex at campuses across the country, including at USC. Among our many “firsts”, we have had our first female-identifying administrators, deans, scholars, student leaders, trustees, a drum major and Carol L. Folt, our first female president.

A Year-Long Celebration

In honor of Title IX’s 50th anniversary, USC is celebrating the progress we have made with the help of Title IX’s scope and impact. In doing so, however, we acknowledge the work that remains to be done to ensure full equity in all aspects of the university, not just based on sex, but also inclusive of gender identity and sexual orientation.

On the anniversary of the legislation, June 23, 2022, we will kick off a year-long series of programs and events that will continue to uplift Title IX and the many areas and programs it touches, including a celebration of USC trailblazers who have paved the way in every corner of the institution as faculty, staff, administrators, students, and alumni. Join us as we salute Title IX and look ahead to what the future holds for gender equity at USC.