The Impact of Title IX: Thoughts from Memphis Inner City Rugby Coaches
June 24, 2022
In our latest series, we’re honoring the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which was celebrated on June 23. We’ve spoken to various individuals from our network to get their thoughts on the impact of the historic legislation and their own experiences. Today, read our Q&A with Memphis Inner City Rugby (MICR) coach Shaniah Jones and listen to several other MICR coaches who also shared their views.
The landmark Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 legislation in the United States prohibits sex discrimination (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity) in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Since its passage, Title IX has positively impacted the lives of millions of people with its non-discrimination protections applying to student recruitment, admissions, educational programs, research, housing, financial and employment assistance, health and insurance benefits, as well as health services. Although the law – requiring equal opportunity under any educational program or activity regardless of gender – isn’t specific to sports, it has greatly contributed to efforts to help level the playing field for women and girls in sports.
Founded in Tennessee in 2012, MICR expands academic and athletic opportunities in under-resourced communities in Memphis using rugby. “Cycles of generational poverty and systemic inequity have created enormous gaps in access to basic athletic, academic and developmental opportunities for young people across the city of Memphis.” MICR aims to tackle these gaps by serving 350+ students ages 8-22, 99% of whom identify as ethnic minorities. In 2020, they were one of the recipients of the Beyond Sport, Sport for Reduced Racial Inequalities Collective Impact Award supported by The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation.
Shaniah Jones, a MICR Pathway Coach since 2019 and MICR alumni spoke to us about her views on Title IX and how it has impacted her life.
What is your sports background?
In high school, I participated in basketball, volleyball, cheer and rugby. I carried rugby through college and attend the University of Memphis. I’m currently playing for the Memphis Flamingos Women’s Rugby Team, but once I graduate college, I will be hanging up my boots.
What has Title IX meant to girls and women in sports like yourself?
Title IX has meant a lot for girls and women in sports because there are equal opportunities for us. I attended a Title IX program at the FedEx Forum at my university and felt so comfortable and welcomed with opened arms as a female – instead of being separated of the spotlight. I attended as a coach and to see all the younger girls smiling faces brightened my day and reminded me that girls can achieve anything. They had hundreds of middle-school-aged girls around Memphis come to the FedEx Forum to be introduced to career opportunities available through competitive sports with on-hand demonstrations and a panel. It was a day to remember!
Why it is important at a high school and collegiate level for girls to have the same opportunities as boys?
It’s important for women and girls to have the same opportunities as men and boys so we don’t feel left out and underappreciated as a result of our gender. Title IX has done a great job presenting those opportunities for us young ladies. When I came to the University of Memphis, there was no women’s rugby team. I and some other girls tried several times to start a women’s rugby team, but the resources were not available to us like the boys. They have tournaments, games, a huge audience and so much support from the school. I’ve had several teammates from high school go to play Division 1, Ivy League and even commit. Being in Memphis my whole life and not being able to continue a sport I love is hard.
What needs to be considered and worked on in the fight for equality for women in sports?
The top three things I think need to be worked on are the audience, resources/equipment and equal pay for women.
If a young girl were to ask you, ‘what do I need to do to be successful as a female in sports?’, what would you say to her?
I would tell her to just do it, because you might not know who you could meet or what you could bring to the team. Never doubt yourself and take every opportunity presented to you, because you are worth the challenge. Do not let anyone tell you differently and there are a lot of younger girls looking up to you so be an example.
Hear some additional thoughts on Title IX from MICR Pathway Coaches Mariah Kalapu and Savannah Austin, and Assistant Coach DeOnna Peck: