The Equity, Diversity, and Student Welfare Committee of the Athletic Board met Tuesday to outline its goals and release data on implications of Title IX at UW-Madison.
The group is responsible for ensuring UW-Madison adheres to requirements of gender equity in their athletic programs, and makes recommendations to the Athletic Board to ensure a better student-athlete experience.
\This committee was a big influence in getting things changed ... it's made an impact,"" said Cheryl Marra, the committee's liaison to the Athletic Department.
One of the group's major goals is ensuring UW-Madison obeys the regulations of Title IX. Part of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX outlaws any form of sexual discrimination in schools receiving federal funds. Should a school violate this rule, these funds may be revoked.
Keeping a balance between men's and women's sports is a key factor of Title IX. Over the past 10 years, there has been a consistently higher enrollment of women than men at UW-Madison, which is reflected in athletics. Last year, according to reports by team captains, there were 28 more women in sports teams than men.
However, UW-Madison has been doing a satisfactory job of maintaining equality, according to the committee. This year, enrollment has drawn closer to a 50-50 gender ratio than it has in five years, with women now forming 53 percent of the undergraduate student body, a 0.7 percent drop from 2002. The preliminary athletic numbers show both men's and women's teams within 10 students of their target roster.
