Sports are a powerful force in today's society. People of all ages and both genders are watching and participating in various sports in growing numbers. Equal opportunities to play sports seem like a natural right and a matter of common sense, but unfortunately this has not always been the case. In 1972, Congress passed the Education Amendments of 1972, which contains Title IX which was intended to ensure the elimination of discrimination based on sex. The area where this has had the most controversial impact is sports. Has Title IX increased women's opportunities to participate in college sports in a fair and equitable manner? Title IX increased opportunities for women to participate in college sports programs with minimal impact on men's sports programs. Title IX was intended to eliminate discrimination against women in any institution that receives funds from the federal government. One part states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." (Title 20 USC). This is the basis of the entire Title IX debate. According to this law, all activities offered by colleges and universities must be offered without regard to gender. This hasn't been a problem except for sports. Sports have long been dominated by men. Historically men have had a greater interest in sports and this has been perpetuated by the idea that athletic women are unattractive. If we add to this the money generated by men's sports, we have a very deep-rooted tradition. This is the institution that Title IX was supposed to fight. Lay...... middle of paper ......." The Chronicle of Higher Education. Washington; December 4, 1998. Naughton, Jim. "Clarification of Title IX May Leave Many Colleges in Violation of Athletes." The Chronicle of Higher Education. Washington; July 31, 1998. Sabo, Don. "Women's Athletics and the Elimination of Men's Sports." Journal of Sport & Social Issues, Vol. 22 Issue 1, p27.St George, Donna Knight-Ridder Newspapers "History was glory, title was IX. Law played major role in women's Olympic success." The News Tribune. August 7, 1996. Suggs, Welch. "Colleges say it's right to cut men's teams to comply with Title IX." The Chronicle of Higher Education. Washington ; February 19, 1999 .Title 20. United States Code Section 1681Weistart, John “Title IX and Intercollegiate Sports: Equal Opportunity?" 1998.