Authors: Nandini Nair & Dr. Sandi

Within the United States of America, when the conversation turns to Title IX, attention often shifts towards sports and the significant achievements of Title IX and equity for women. Originating during the second wave of feminism, Title IX advocated for the increased involvement of women in sports, which at that time was predominantly limited to a collegiate, in-house, sport level. Despite earlier attempts to boost their participation at the intercollegiate level, it was not until after Title IX’s implementation that the national participation of women in high school and college sports dramatically increased, due to heightened calls for reform for equitable monetary resources and academic support.

Most recently, Title IX has stimulated numerous debates and discussions regarding the inclusion of the LGBTQI+ community within the sports sector, calling for the clarification of athletic fairness and equity when distinguishing between women and men that identify as women. Unfortunately, this controversial athletic topic has derailed the entire conversation around Title IX. The problem is that while the impact of Title IX is indeed indisputable, the tendency to associate it solely with sports often pigeonholes Title IX as a law pertaining only to sports, thereby ignoring its pivotal role as a protection for education in prohibiting all forms of sexual discrimination.

Although we may still be years away from truly understanding that sports is merely one component of Title IX, it is important to understand that the conversation must start somewhere. Title IX Consulting Group recommends administrators within educational institutions increase Title IX student information, for athletes and non-athletes, regarding:

• The areas Title IX protects and prohibits (i.e., sexual misconduct, athletic inequities, pregnant and parenting inequities)
• The adjudication process (informal and formal protocols for all three major types of inequities: sexual misconduct, athletic inequities, pregnant and parenting inequities)
• Athletic protocols (e.g., who to report to) when there may be concern for Title IX violations/inequities (re: (sexual misconduct, athletic concerns, pregnant and parenting inequities))

Overall, the misconception that Title IX operates solely for the protection of sports equity causes a dangerous barrier to help protect individuals at schools or campuses from things such as sexual assault or domestic violence. When Title IX is viewed as solely about sports it is intensely damaging to the work Title IX has done, and the purpose and true nature as to why it was adopted into law over 52 years ago.

Author: Kru Christopher M. Aboy

In a world where personal safety is a growing concern, self-defense has become a crucial skill. For many, the journey towards self-protection begins with understanding the risks and learning effective ways to prevent and respond to threats. Among the various self-defense techniques, Muay Thai stands out not only for its effectiveness but also for its empowering impact on practitioners. This ancient martial art from Thailand offers more than just physical prowess; it instills confidence, discipline, and mental resilience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to enhance their self-defense capabilities. In this blog, we will explore how Muay Thai can be a powerful tool for self-defense, particularly for victims, and the scientific research supporting its benefits.

Muay Thai, also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” utilizes punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes, making it a comprehensive and effective self-defense system. The following are core innate elements of Muay Thai:

1. Physical Fitness and Strength: Muay Thai training improves cardiovascular health, strength, and agility. A strong and fit body is less likely to be targeted by attackers and more capable of defending itself.
2. Situational Awareness: Muay Thai practitioners develop heightened situational awareness. Training drills often simulate real-life scenarios, helping students to stay alert and respond quickly to potential dangers.
3. Confidence and Mental Resilience: One of the most significant benefits of Muay Thai is the boost in self-confidence. Knowing that you can defend yourself effectively can reduce fear and anxiety, which are common among victims of violence. This confidence is a deterrent to potential attackers.
4. Practical Techniques: Muay Thai teaches practical and effective techniques that can be used in self-defense situations. The ability to strike powerfully with multiple parts of the body increases the chances of neutralizing an attacker.

Several studies have highlighted the physical and psychological benefits of martial arts training, including Muay Thai. Research published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine indicates that martial arts training improves physical fitness, body composition, and overall health. Additionally, a study in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that self-defense training, including martial arts, significantly increases self-efficacy and reduces fear of crime among participants.

Self-defense is not just about reacting to an attack; it’s about preventing one in the first place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that awareness and prevention strategies are crucial components of personal safety. According to the CDC, strategies like situational awareness, risk recognition, and avoidance are essential in reducing the risk of assault and violence. These strategies can be significantly enhanced through self-defense training, which teaches individuals how to recognize and avoid potential threats before they escalate.

It is important to stress, that for victims of violence, regaining a sense of control and security is paramount. Muay Thai offers a pathway to empowerment by:

1. Rebuilding Confidence: Victims often struggle with low self-esteem and fear. Muay Thai training provides a structured environment where they can gradually rebuild their confidence and sense of self-worth.
2. Building Community Support: Muay Thai gyms foster a strong sense of community and support. Being part of a supportive group can be therapeutic and provide emotional support during the recovery process.
3. Increasing Therapeutic Benefits: Physical activity, including Muay Thai, has been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Engaging in regular training can help victims process trauma and improve their mental health.

Overall, Muay Thai is more than just a martial art; it is a powerful tool for self-defense and personal empowerment. By combining physical fitness, practical techniques, and psychological benefits, Muay Thai can help individuals, especially victims, feel safer and more confident in their daily lives. The scientific evidence supporting the benefits of martial arts training underscores the value of incorporating Muay Thai into one’s self-defense strategy. Whether you are looking to improve your personal safety or support a loved one in their journey to recovery, Muay Thai offers a holistic approach to self-defense and empowerment.

Authors: Julissa Contreras Castanon & Dr. Sandi

“If colleges are the hunting ground, as they’ve been called, for sexual predators, advocates say high schools are the breeding ground and any solution must start there” Tovia Smith, NPR News

While sex education for grades K-12 has become more comprehensive, there is no federal law mandating what information needs to be taught. Instead, each state is responsible for determining how to best address the issue of sexual reproduction and Title IX’s protections against sexual discrimination, otherwise known as sexual misconduct and sexual violence.

Shockingly, as of 2016, only 25 states require public schools to include education on sexual assault. Therefore, schools may be teaching students about consent, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and in some programs, self -defense, while others are not doing this at all. Because of the gap in sexual education as described under Title IX, most students do not learn about dating violence and sexual violence until they attend college!

It’s important to know that all educational institutions receiving federal funding are required to take steps to prevent and address sexual assault, provide support to victims, and conduct fair and timely investigations into reports, this includes K-12. Title IX legislation defines sexual assault as any non-consensual sexual act that is forced upon someone, including but not limited to: rape, sexual battery, sexual coercion, and other various forms of sexual violence.

Sadly, it is a common assumption that Title IX is applicable only in colleges and universities. This is due, in part, to the harmful belief that sex –and therefore sexual violence– is an “adult issue”. This misinformation is not unlike the reasoning that supports the federal government funding abstinence-only sex education for the K-12 system, spending approximately $75 million per year across 44 states and five U.S. territories since 2017. Yet the sobering reality is that sexual assault can happen at any age, with close to a hundred K-12 (elementary and secondary) schools being investigated for Title IX violations.

What’s more, research from studies on sexual violence prevention suggest that one-time sex education classes are also not enough, stating that the same information on sexual assault prevention taught to 9^th graders decreases to only about a third effectiveness for 12^th graders. This is because all sex education needs to be age appropriate and what is taught in the 9^th grade compared to what is taught in the 12^th grade should be different and more conceptualized.

Overall, these facts are not meant to instill fear in parents or students, but to increase awareness. It is important to know there are Title IX protections that are mandated by the federal government for all K-12 and higher education. Learning what consent means and the fact that sexual misconduct can take place, can only enlighten an individual’s choices to think about preventative measures to increase their overall well-being and safety. Title IX Consulting Group recommends that all parents should age-appropriately discuss consent and healthy relationships with their children because it is important to prevent sexual abuse at any age.

Author: Nandini Nair

The harassment and discrimination of LGBTQI+ individuals have been hotly debated, with recent statistics painting a concerning picture. Responding to this, the new Title IX Regulations significantly enhance protections, particularly by codifying rights for transgender students. This groundbreaking inclusion by the Biden administration, which adds gender identities to the list of categories protected from discrimination, marks a decisive shift from previous Trump-era policies.

These regulations not only broaden the definition of ‘sexual harassment’ to include sexual violence and unwelcome sex-based conduct but also aim to prevent discrimination against pregnant or parenting students by covering conditions such as pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. In ensuring that educational environments are inclusive and safe, the regulations specify protections for transgender students’ rights to use facilities and participate in programs that align with their gender identity, directly challenging states with restrictive laws.

The introduction of these rules has been met with both acclaim and controversy. While advocacy groups laud the broader definitions and increased protections, concerns linger about their implementation across different states, particularly as 23 GOP states have initiated legal challenges. These states argue that the new measures deviate from the original intent of the 1972 Title IX amendment. As these legal battles unfold, the administration continues to advocate for additional protections, including specific policies to safeguard transgender athletes in sports, without rolling back on due process guarantees established in previous administrations.

Despite these challenges, the new regulations represent a significant advancement in recognizing and addressing the needs of LGBTQI+ students, ensuring they feel acknowledged and supported in their educational environments. This progress is vital, even as we remain vigilant about potential rollbacks, highlighting the ongoing journey towards equality and acceptance in educational settings.