IWF Senior Fellow Deborah Perry joined four other panelists for Princeton University’s “Title IX Bout.” The sounds of “Let’s get ready to rumble” kicked off the event. Before a packed audience of more than 200 students, coaches, and teachers, Ms. Perry represented IWF and her stance on the needs for Title IX reform. Donna Lopiano, the Executive Director of the Women’s Sports Foundation, Dan Fulks, Faculty Athletics representative at Transylvania University in Kentucky, Jeff Orleans, executive director of the council of Ivy Group Presidents, and Clay McEldowney, Secretary Treasurer of the College Sports Council participated. Princeton senior Maura Bolger led a structured question and answer period, where each panelist had a chance to weigh in on the subject. Ms. Perry argued colleges should consider the fact that fewer girls show interest in playing sports when allocating resources. The panel was followed by a spirited question and answer session led mostly by student athletes.
IWF Campus Program Manager Kristen Richardson accompanied Ms. Perry to Princeton. While there, Ms. Richardson met with 7 student activists. After discussing the political culture on campus, the girls decided to form an independent women’s organization, aimed at bringing an open forum for honest discussion on women’s issues at Princeton. The students are currently working with the university to get funding, and they hope to be a recognized organization in the fall.