AP journalists in multiple disciplines — sports, education, race and ethnicity, and others — collaborated on a comprehensive all-formats package marking the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the groundbreaking law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools or education programs.
Leaders of each beat teamed up to develop story ideas and execution, coordinating resources to address the most important topics regarding Title IX: how the law was born, the impact it has had on athletes and women in general, the challenges it faces, the progress made and where the law falls short.
In photo at left, tennis star Billie Jean King speaks about sexual equality before the Senate education subcommittee in Washington, Nov. 9, 1973. At right, King reacts while speaking at a Women’s History Month event honoring women athletes in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 9, 2022.
AP Photos / File (left); Jacquelyn Martin
The package included an exclusive interview with sports legend Billie Jean King, a first-person piece by Basketball Hall-of-Famer Ann Meyers Drysdale, stories on transgender athletes, campus sexual assault, inequalities in opportunities for women of color, a scoop on an NCAA report examining the current status of Title IX, and more.
An AP Poll explored Americans' perception of the progress made by Title IX, revealing a stark contrast between men and women on the issue. The poll was published a week before a similar poll by a major nation publication; customers created custom sections to highlight AP’s Title IX package.
Interviews with current and former athletes were coordinated weeks in advance, as were photos, video and graphics for a distinctive presentation. Timelines (text and video), localization guides, explainers and photos galleries rounded the comprehensive package which was published over 10 days starting Jun. 14.
Among the many contributors to the project:
— Eddie Pells addressed the future of Title IX with transgender athletes.
— Annie Ma and Cliff Brunt teamed up on a story revealing that strides for women of color lag under the law.
— Daniella Matar and Teresa Walker reported on the impact of the law for international athletes.
— Heather Hollingsworth wrote about the shortcomings of sexual assault rules on campus.
— Erica Hunzinger revealed obstacles to proving Title IX violations at colleges.
— Paul Kazdan curated photos for the whole project, including a photo gallery on the impact of Title IX.
— Jake O'Connell produced graphics and interactives.
— Heidi Morrow produced the video timeline.
— Emily Swanson and Hannah Fingerhut handled the AP Poll.
— Andale Gross contributed for the race and ethnicity team.
— Carole Feldman, Mike Melia and Chrissie Thompson contributed for the education team.
— Dave Clark created and curated the Title IX hub.
— Samantha Shotzbarger curated the hub and content for the package.
United States goalkeeper Briana Scurry celebrates after blocking an overtime penalty shootout kick by China during the Women’s World Cup Final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., July 10, 1999. Title IX paved the way for Scurry to knock down barriers, amassing a long list of honors in what was a predominantly white sport. Her soccer jersey from the tournament is at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. It’s part of a permanent display that recognizes Title IX and its contributions to leveling the playing field.
AP Photo / Michael Caulfield
Ann Meyers Drysdale prepares for her courtside broadcast prior to a Phoenix Mercury basketball game in Phoenix, June 3, 2022. In a first-person story for the AP, the Basketball Hall of Famer, longtime TV analyst and mother of three shares how Title IX has shaped her life and career, and what needs to be done over the next 50 years for the law to continue to have a positive impact on young girls and women.
AP Photo / Matt York
Texas Tech head coach Marsha Sharp waves the net, left, and the team’s Sheryl Swoopes leaps with joy, right, after Texas Tech defeated Ohio State 84-82 in the finals of the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship, April 4, 1993, in Atlanta, Ga. The woman who coached Swoopes and Texas Tech to the 1993 national title tells the AP the work of Title IX isn’t finished after 50 years.
AP Photo