Although 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the enactment of Title IX, the act has consistently brought up conversations about how well it is used. Title IX covers the protection of students against gender and sexuality-based discrimination, as well as the equal treatment of gender-based sports. While it has become a defining point in the history of gender equity, federally funded schools, especially colleges, have recently been grounds for conflict in their enforcement of Title IX.

The protections of LGBTQ+ students have been enforced and rescinded many times. While the principles of Title IX reflect the goal of equity for LGBTQ+ students, issues have arisen from some schools. On Feb. 10, the U.S. Department of Education dismissed a complaint about the treatment of LGBTQ+ students at Brigham Young University. Although a section banning “Homosexual Behavior” was removed from the BYU Honor Code in 2020, the school still banned same-sex relationships between students. On the grounds of Title IX, student calls for LGBTQ+ equality were made, but dismissed due to the university being a private religious college and therefore exempt from the Title IX requirements. The case brings up the question of how limited Title IX is, and how far it can be used in lawsuits.

On the grounds of sexual harassment, three students from Harvard University sued the college for failing to take action on reports of harassment from a professor. Although all allegations were denied, student Margaret Czerwienski claimed that the Title IX coordinator had discouraged her from filing a report on sexual misconduct. A Title IX coordinator is mandatory in schools and must handle all complaints and problems with sex-based discrimination. The proper enforcement of Title IX protections can give rise to conflict between students and institutions.

Perhaps the most renowned aspect of Title IX, the coverage of equal financial aid for athletics, led to a recent lawsuit against San Diego State University. Seventeen students filed the lawsuit with the claim that SDSU had not been providing sufficient financial aid to female athletes. Additionally, the college had cut women’s rowing from the sports roster last season, claiming the number of female athletes exceeded the number to be compliant with Title IX. Title IX has been regarded as one of the most significant historical steps toward gender equity in sports, making it crucial to athletics cases in schools.

While discussion is necessary to clarify the lawsuits and courses of action in each college, Title IX remains a potentially controversial act. Its vast coverage of different cases makes its presence significant in schools across the country.