50th Anniversary of Title IX Sparks Celebration of Leaders in Equality

MOSCOW, Idaho — To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the law that provided equal opportunities for women in education and athletics, the University of Idaho, Vandal Athletics, the University of Idaho Women’s Center and the VandalStore will host special events, educational opportunities, and will celebrate women’s athletes, administrators and coaches throughout our history.  

The reintroduction of the popular Joe and Jane Vandal logo for the 2022-23 year will be a cornerstone of the promotion of these activities. The logo will be available in a wide range of products at the VandalStore. The logo was developed in 1978 to represent inclusivity and equity for all Vandals. 

In June 1972, Title IX became the law of the land in education rights. The law initially focused on academic programming, but women in athletics saw the new law as an opportunity to stand on equal ground with men. On the 50th anniversary of this landmark legislation, Idaho Athletics will highlight individuals with a “50 for 50” team, highlighting 50 influential Idaho student-athletes, coaches and administrators who have helped pave the way for gender equity and opportunities in the Title IX era.  

The full “50 for 50” team will be announced in July then Vandal Athletics will highlight a member of the team each week for the next year on its social media channels.   

"This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the great Vandals who built the foundation for women's athletics at University of Idaho,” Athletic Director Terry Gawlik said. “As someone who personally benefited from Title IX as a student-athlete, coach and administrator, I am so grateful for their leadership in providing such incredible opportunities for past, present and future student-athletes. We are thrilled to help tell those stories and celebrate these individuals throughout the entire year.” 

Additionally, the University of Idaho’s Women’s Center, which was launched in conjunction with Title IX in 1972, will host several events throughout the year in celebration of its 50 years of existence on campus.  

The U of I Women’s Center promotes and advocates for gender equity on campus and in the community. The Women’s Center facilitates opportunities for learning and activism to support and empower all individuals in building an inclusive and compassionate society. 

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About Title IX 

On June 23, 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 was enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Richard Nixon, prohibiting sex discrimination in educational programs or activities that receive federal funding.  

Idaho launched women’s athletics in 1974-75 and established a full slate of teams for the 1975-76 year. By the summer of 1978, all intercollegiate athletic departments were required to be compliant with Title IX’s athletic requirements. Shortly thereafter, U of I’s neighbor on the Palouse, Washington State University, was involved in one of the initial hallmark lawsuits involving Title IX, the 1979 Supreme Court case Blair v. Washington State University. The case centered around a group of female students who alleged that WSU’s women’s athletic programs were receiving inferior funding, publicity, facilities and coaches. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the students, setting a precedent across the country for universities that receive federal funding to fully commit to gender equity in athletics.

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Media Contacts

Jerek Wolcott
Assistant Athletic Director
Idaho Athletics
406-422-7581
jwolcott@uidaho.edu