This is an editorial, which provides an opinion from the newspaper’s management. This editorial was written by Eudora Times reporters Sara Maloney, Hannah Nystrom and Abby Shepherd and is endorsed by publisher Teri Finneman.

“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.”

At only 37 words, this 1972 law prohibited discrimination in educational programs receiving federal money, opening doors for girls who wanted to compete in sports in high school and college. 

For girls in Eudora, sports programs like volleyball and basketball became permanent opportunities in the early ‘70s. Girls could also enroll in shop classes, and boys in home economics, making the learning environment less segregated. 

Girls in Eudora can still feel the impact of Title IX today, and sports in the high school’s athletic program have been continually added over the years. 

To mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX this year, The Eudora Times is launching a series this week examining girls sports in Eudora over the past 100 years. 

The staff of The Eudora Times feels it’s important to highlight a range of voices in our community, and girls’ sports have still struggled to be treated equally across the nation throughout the past 50 years.

From unequal treatment at national tournaments to wage gaps between male and female sports players, women still face inequality in sports. Efforts to lessen discrimination and fully adhere to the provisions of Title IX should be something everyone strives for. 

Whether it is the NCAA or a rural town in Kansas, Title IX has played a major role in creating an equal playing field. Whether that field is being used by T-ball players or state-winning cross country runners, Title IX has created the opportunity for girls to participate in a healthy, competitive environment. 

This series will begin with a historical outlook on the law and conversations with former Eudora athletes before highlighting young girls in Eudora and their hopes for the future. 

We hope that each story creates an impact in Eudora by bringing attention to local girls’ sports. 

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