The Community College and Title IX.

Since its inception in 1972, Title IX has changed how the American higher education system functions at all levels. Colleges and universities continue to struggle to comply with Title IX's unspecified standards for accommodating the interests and needs of students. Due to community college administration structures and funding sources typically being tied to local taxes, minimum tuition fees, and state federal agency politics, efforts to comply with Title IX have been addressed with trepidation. Politically "hot" problems include teacher cutbacks, inadequate facilities and equipment, too many students, and lack of community and administrative support as institutions unable to comply with the unspecified Title IX standards are making decisions out of fear of lawsuits rather than out of practical concerns. This paper re-examines Title IX in an attempt to establish limits and objectives more clearly, as well as to define its purpose. By reducing ambiguities related to Title IX, higher education institutions would be released from responsibilities of its interpretation, thereby avoiding unnecessary court cases. Consequently, savings from litigation expenses could save millions of dollars that could be spent on educational programs. (AS)