Title IX: A Decade of Changing Tides in U.S. Colleges and Universities
Charting the Course Ahead for Equal Opportunities
Established Legal Specialist Debuts College Athletes Representation Firm
With the launch of Arthur H. Bryant's new law practice specializing in Title IX cases, the college sports world prepares for a potential tidal wave of litigation concerning gender equality. Bryant, a renowned Title IX attorney, has spent the last few years at Clarkson Law Firm, focusing on Title IX enforcement and counseling colleges and universities.
A veteran in the field, Bryant got his start at the San Francisco office of Bailey & Glasser and served as chairman and executive director of Public Justice, a non-profit legal advocacy organization in Washington, D.C. In the 80s, Bryant made headlines as lead counsel in the groundbreaking Title IX case, Haffer v. Temple University, which set a precedent for equal opportunities for female athletes.
Now, Bryant is spearheading a class-action lawsuit against the University of Oregon, representing a group of former rowers and beach volleyball players who allege discrimination based on gender. The case, which successfully survived the university's motion to dismiss, could pave the way for the first legal challenge against the House v. NCAA settlement's injunctive relief on Title IX grounds.
Bryant is also taking on Fresno State and San Diego State, representing female athletes at both schools, while collaborating with MoloLamken to represent eight athlete objectors in the House v. NCAA settlement. The surge of Title IX litigation has Bryant confident in the timing of his new practice, despite its focus not being limited to Title IX cases.
The Title IX Landscape: A Complex Picture
In the arena of American higher education, Title IX has been embroiled in controversy in recent years. The Trump Administration, through an executive order and a memorandum, reinstated the 2020 Title IX regulations in January 2025[1]. Despite this move emphasizing procedural integrity and due process, civil rights groups have raised concerns about potential undermining of protections for survivors and marginalized communities[2].
Meanwhile, investigations into institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Western Carolina University have shed light on diverse issues surrounding non-compliance with Title IX[3]. The Office for Civil Rights has been actively investigating universities and colleges for non-compliance, from gender-based discrimination to allowing males in female dormitories[3].
federal courts have issued rulings blocking the U.S. Department of Education from enforcing certain aspects of Title IX compliance, raising questions about the department's ability to enforce its regulations[4].
Reimagining Equal Opportunities in College Sports
As institutions navigate the challenging landscape of Title IX enforcement, the future will undoubtedly be marked by change. Compliance measures and policy revisions will become increasingly essential as colleges and universities adapt to the evolving regulations and court decisions.
Arthur H. Bryant's entrance into the Bay Area legal scene signifies a growing awareness of the need for gender equality in college sports and a willingness from some institutions to face legal challenges if they fail to provide equal opportunities to female athletes. The stage is set for a decade of change and the fight for equal opportunities in college sports.
## Related Story
Trump Executive Order Designed to Limit Discrimination Claims
The Trump Administration's controversial executive order on transgender students in school sports has led to investigations into institutions like the University of Pennsylvania[1]. The order, which essentially bans transgender students from participating in sports that align with their gender identity, has sparked debate over the opportunities and protections afforded to marginalized communities within U.S. education.
- Future analysis of the Title IX landscape might include an exploration of potential impacts on education-and-self-development opportunities for female athletes, as the rise in Title IX litigation spurs discussions about equal opportunities and gender discrimination in college sports.
- In the realm of sports, the introduction of Title IX regulations has prompted a significant analysis of education-and-self-development efforts for female athletes, and the current surge in Title IX litigation promises to continue this examination, aimed at ensuring equal opportunities in college sports.
