Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics

Gender equity in athletics extends the doctrine of fairness to all areas of athletic activity at the university level. It is activated by a sense of moral obligation that exceeds any specific duty to comply with legal requirements, although it also recognizes the necessity of observing the tenets of Title IX. Its desired effect is to offer women and men equal opportunities to participate in sports for which there is demonstrated interest among athletes in Hawaiʻi and to provide equitable levels of support for coaching, travel, scholarships, operating expenses, and facilities used. Beyond these specific goals, gender equity also fosters an attitude and establishes an environment in which men’s and women’s sports are encouraged in comparable ways. Those who support gender equity are willing to cooperate in frequent self-evaluations and to implement change so that all student-athletes can have the same opportunity to realize the highest level of their abilities.