Interpreting Title IX at SCU

In the interest of being forthcoming, and to promote the circulation of accurate information related to this topic, I want to introduce my exhibit by first disclosing the lens through which I chose to conduct my research, and providing some background. My research was conducted through a feminist lens, which influenced how I interpreted and presented the materials. I will be looking at the documents and other materials that I have compiled through this lens, and will provide context wherever I can as to why I chose to interpret things in the way I did, and how you could view them differently.

What is feminism?

The best way to contextualize what a feminist lens entails is to explain feminism in its most basic terms. Feminism is defined by the belief that women are not inherently less or more dignified than men, and therefore should be treated equitably. So by conducting my research through a feminist lens, I interpret documents that reflect a misogynist or otherwise prejudiced viewpoint in a way that understands and contextualizes the disparity with modern societal standards of respect.

What is title ix?

Title ix was an amendment passed to federal civil rights laws in 1972 that aimed to do away with discrimination based on gender in institutions of learning. The policy states "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" (US Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights).