JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (June 23, 2022) – The East Tennessee State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Today, June 23, 2022, marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX being passed by Congress and signed into law by President Richard Nixon.

“Title IX is significant for numerous reasons as it has helped progress our nation forward as we work to protect against gender discrimination,” said Lauren Aksionoff, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services/Senior Woman Administrator. “Title IX made it possible for women to participate in college athletics. The push for investment in women college sports must continue in order to provide quality programs, break down barriers, and promote inclusivity and equal opportunities.”

ABOUT TITLE IX

Title IX was signed into law in 1972, and states that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” 

• Click here for important facts on Title IX and Gender Equity
• Click here for a historical Title IX timeline
• Title IX Frequently Asked Questions
• Southern Conference Celebrates 50 Years of Title IX

ETSU ATHLETICS TO CELEBRATE TITLE IX 50^TH ANNIVERSARY 

The ETSU Athletic Department has several initiatives to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Below are some of the ways ETSU plans to recognize Title IX throughout the year.

• Designate Title IX games at selected home events
  • Volleyball vs. Clemson – Sept. 9
  • Women’s Soccer vs. Oklahoma – Sept. 15
  • Football vs. Chattanooga – Oct. 1
  • Men’s Soccer vs. Virginia Tech – Oct. 4
• Honor former ETSU student-athletes, coaches and administrators connected with Title IX at selected sporting events.
• The creation of an ETSU Title IX logo that will be used on shirts, pins and branded materials posted at the athletic facilities
• A social media campaign on the ETSU Athletics Instagram account that highlights former student-athletes, coaches and administrators who were pioneers within ETSU Athletics
• Share public announcements at home Buccaneer sporting events recognizing and celebrating the anniversary of Title IX
• Invite youth sport teams to the designated Title IX games where they can interact with our teams after the game
• Giveaways of the limited-edition ETSU Title IX shirts
• Utilize the “Buc Minute” segments on our flagship station WXSM-AM 640 for special messages on Title IX throughout the season
• Provide Title IX facts and messages throughout ETSU’s home games broadcasted on ESPN+
• Share information inside ETSU’s gameday programs and on ETSUBucs.com

Stay tuned for more events and information on ETSU celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX by visiting ETSUBucs.com.