50 Years of Title IX

Trojan trailblazers talk about their personal struggles for equality and how Title IX legislation made a difference at USC.

Title IX, the landmark legislation that prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding, had an immediate impact at USC when it was signed into law in 1972. Trojan trailblazers who’ve helped pave the way for gender equity at USC and beyond — from entertainment to the sciences, athletics and business — reflect on the past five decades of Title IX.

“Title IX really moved the university into the upper echelon of women’s athletics in the country. The school became so respected and renowned in college athletics in a relatively short period of time. USC was not only showcasing stellar men’s programs, it had a whole new successful woman’s program that it could showcase. It laid the groundwork, and we need to continue to be diligent in our efforts to build on that foundation.”

— BARBARA HALLQUIST DEGROOT ’79, MOST DECORATED ALUMNA OF THE USC WOMEN'S TENNIS PROGRAM AND USC VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT COACH

“[Title IX] legislation was very helpful to me — especially internally with the administration. … We wanted money from the federal government and were going to have to welcome everyone. It was a thrilling victory.”—

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THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO SERVE AS BOTH A U.S. AIR FORCE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AND UNITED AIRLINES PILOT

“What’s been wonderful about [Title IX] is the recognition that it gave to the very fact that discrimination was occurring. ... Fifty years ago, there were a lot of people who felt that discrimination didn’t exist, and if it did, it didn’t matter. It was endorsement at the federal level that indeed something had to be done. … Title IX put women in visible roles you hadn’t seen them in before. … [It] was a cornerstone to begin to fight these other battles. It was a huge, huge building block.” — ELIZABETH M. DALEY, DEAN OF THE USC SCHOOL OF CINEMATIC ARTS AND USC’S LONGEST-SERVING DEAN

“It’s not just about the equal number of teams, women athletes or funding and scholarships. [Title IX] is very importantly about preventing assault and harassment, but it’s really about ensuring equitable access to education. And that, I absolutely celebrate.” — TRACY POON TAMBASCIA, THE FIRST WOMAN OF COLOR TO BE PRESIDENT OF THE USC ACADEMIC

“[Title IX] has really helped people at all levels to see the importance of equal rights — especially in education. … I have been here [at USC] 48 years, and my female students always write to me saying I serve as a role model for them and how much they appreciate me. … Some of their daughters have graduated from college now. I feel good that I have been able to pass along that important, good message.” — JEAN

CHEN SHIH, UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR AND THE ENDOWED BOYD P. AND ELSIE D. WELIN PROFESSOR OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES CHAIR

MARCHING BAND

“There are data that show girls who play sports tend to be more successful in several other venues and endeavors. They have higher self-esteem, a more positive body image, and they’re less likely to drop out of school than a significant segment of women. ... But the space we are in now (where we are more committed than ever to diversity, equity and inclusion) tells us that just thinking about gender is not enough. Our female athletes are saying, ‘I’m more than just my gender. I’m more than this female body that you see, and I have more to contribute than just the unique female experience. I’m more than just my race and my sexuality.’”—

JULIE ROUSSEAU, USC ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

“As the dean of a school with a 72% female student body, I am grateful not to have to fight for the rights of a majority of my students on a daily basis. I appreciate the [Title IX] enforcement measures that we have in place to make sure we don’t backslide in our progress toward a truly equitable world. That’s no small thing to be able to say that. … We would not have made progress toward equitable outcomes the way we have without Title IX. … We would not have the rich college sports programs for men and women the same way we do today, and we would not have the majority of college graduates be female without Title IX. There are so many outcomes that we are experiencing today that have enriched our society in immeasurable ways.” — WILLOW

USC is hosting Title IX: 50 Years of Progress , a yearlong celebration of Title IX’s impact on campus. To read about more Trojan trailblazers, go to sites.usc.edu/titleix .