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Date: 6/15/2022
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Public Forum’s latest speaking event analyzes the intersection between sports and equality. Partnering with the Basketball Hall of Fame, the two entities will discuss the 50-year anniversary for Title IX Legislation on June 21 at 7 p.m. The forum will take place at Springfield Symphony Hall and is free to the public.
Title IX of the Education Amendments was signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1972. The amendment prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX is considered the catalyst behind leagues like the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Women’s league, according to the forum’s press release.
The amendment formally states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
The forum will feature two panel conversations led by leaders in women’s sports. The first showcases a historical deep dive into the state of women’s sports prior to Title IX’s passing. Discussions will center around the advocation and advent of Title IX, as well as how the amendment’s implementation occurred.
Hall of Famers Jordy Conradt, Sylvia Hatchell and Nancy Lieberman will discuss the matter alongside former CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation Donna Lopiano. Lopiano served as CEO from 1992-2007, working as a key voice in ensuring compliance with Title IX legislation.
Condrat and Hatchell experienced prosperous coaching careers at the University of Texas and the University of North Carolina respectively, while Lieberman represented a trailblazing presence during her 28-year pro career. She ultimately became the first female athlete to participate on a male professional team when the Springfield Fame of the United States Basketball League drafted her in 1986.
The second forum ruminates on the impacts of Title IX today and the efforts of ensuring equality into the future. ESPN Senior Executive Carol Stiff, former University of Connecticut champion and WNBA player Morgan Tuck, Hall of Famer and current Stanford University Women’s Basketball Coach Tara VanDerveer and Hall of Famer Cheryl
Miller will spearhead the conversation.
Host of Hoop Streams Christine Williamson will moderate both conversations.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Basketball Hall of Fame President & CEO John Doleva emphasized the importance of recognizing Title IX’s impacts.
“The 50th Anniversary is a time to reflect on the progress women have made on the court, as well as an opportunity to recognize and better understand the ripple effects of this legislation on the lives of the pioneers and game-changers that fought and continue to fight for equity in sports. We are privileged to honor the trailblazers who have made women’s sports what they are today,” said Doleva in a press release.
Springfield Public Forum Executive Director Micheele Morash also highlighted the importance of the forum in his statement.
“We are honored to be a part of this historic event and look forward to providing this free and open to the public event as part of our ongoing mission to provide thought provoking speakers and very timely subjects to the broader Springfield community,” said Morash.
Readers can learn more about the event at https://springfieldpublicforum.org/event/title-ix-50th-anniversary-celebration-and-forum/.