Title IX of the Civil Rights Act provides that "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 an education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

Title IX is a federal law enacted in 1972 that mandated high schools and colleges to provide equal opportunities to men and women. It required that opportunities be provided so men and women could participate in athletics in equal numbers, that the same amount of scholarship money be given to both men and women, and that the same level of equipment and facilities be provided.

The equality provided to young women by Title IX is important because physical fitness in women is important.

In the opinion of Craig Wood, one of DTDA's attorneys, and Johnnie Pryor, athletic director for Farmersville I.S.D. in Farmersville, Texas, public school dance/drill teams are provided for under Title IX because drill teams are considered a sport. Drill teams require physical activity, preparation, coordination, and teamwork. In addition, since all public schools receive federal financial assistance, it could be further argued that drill teams should be included under the federal umbrella of Title IX. By law, facilities where drill team girls dress, practice, and perform should be equal to the facilities provided for boys involved in athletics. Many times, this is not the case. Boys' athletics such as football and basketball tend to draw large crowds, therefore extra money is often spent updating and improving their facilities and the facilities for the girls remain outdated.

To date, there have been no Title IX lawsuits filed directly for drill team. When considering such an action, it would be best to group drill team with other female sports. At Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland, Texas, the girls athletic program, cheerleading squad, and drill team all benefited from facility improvements aimed at equalizing the male locker rooms and female locker room. These improvements were triggered in response to a parent's inquiry about the condition, size, and quality of facilities that the school proportioned for the girls programs. In that case, no lawsuit was formally filed. Once the school district was made aware of the gross inadequacy and inequality of the facilities, they chose to remedy the problem during the next bond election.

Be cautious before pursuing any Title IX endeavors. Many male and female coaches will argue that dance/drill teams should not be considered a sport. They will start by telling you that drill team has no male equivalent. This is the game they play.... Football matches with volleyball, basketball to basketball, baseball to softball, and so on. When pursuing women's facility improvements, instead of going it alone share your battle with the other female coaches on staff and with the athletic director. When renovations become a reality, be sure to attend every meeting concerning the new facilities to make sure your team gets a fair piece of the pie.

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