First Proposal for Female Team

Following two years later, the first report of female sport establishment data involved the attempt of the formation of the women’s track. In an article by Annette Bernhard, she described the initial proposal for a women’s track team on Trinity campus, though the verdict was not given, (Bernhard, 1974). They first applied for establishment in the fall of 1974, two years after the implementation of Title IX (Bernhard, 1974). The fact that the first proposal team for women’s sports team at Trinity was two years after the establishment of Title IX regulations shows the reactionary nature of Trinity’s response to Title IX. The article also states that if the team was not established, that there would be three spots reserved for women on the men’s team, (Bernhard, 1974). It is clear through this backup plan that the formation of a women’s team was not a priority at this time, the impact of this amendment act is obvious through this allotment of positions in the athletic program that would not otherwise have been provided. This brings up questions about the dedication of Trinity University at this time to make athletics available to all students without gender restrictions, as even though there were some accommodations made for female athletes in this scenario, there was in no way equal opportunities across genders and it remains unclear if there were attempts for equality in other sports and departments. It can be further emphasized here that Trinity’s actions regarding Title IX were simply adaptive to the legislation, rather than progressive for the rights of female athletes. This can be seen through these meager accommodations made, as well as through the need for application for the formation of the women’s tennis team by the athletes (Bernhard, 1974), rather than an implementation by the university.