Leigh Torbin answered a question of mine and suggested it might be
good for the entire list, so here it is.  - mike
 
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Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 01:48:48 -0400 (EDT)
From: Leigh Torbin <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: More Title IX
In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> from "Mike Machnik" at
 Apr 12, 95 01:16:56 am
To: [log in to unmask] (Mike Machnik)
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> What happens in the following situation:
>
> * State U has a ratio of 50% male, 50% female
> * Athletic participation/opportunities are 60% male, 40% female
> * A State U poll shows that of all students interested in
> participating in sports, 60% are male and 40% are female
>
> Is State U in compliance?
 
        Yes, for now. Although they would pass a test because they have
satisfied their female athletic interests, there is something that always
makes public opinion polls so much fun at work here. That being that
public opinion sway like the wind.
        Case Study No. 1: Suppose the numbers above are for UConn and compare
the interest amongst UConn women last year and today.
        While 40% might have been interested in athletics last year, that
number might have skyrocketed well past 60 or 65% due to Ms. Lobo and
company. The barometer of public opinion can change very quickly and
drastically.
        If UConn put all their eggs into the basket above, they would be
unhappy campers Sunday morning. Suddenly with 65% of their women
interested and 40% still as the opportunity % for athletes, they're locked
out. The reason that student body is a better marker is that it doesn't
shift as drasticly from year to year. Maybe the admissions office might
let in a few more men or women one given year, but it won't change things
too much. Certainly not enough to effect the school's Title IX standing.
        Figuring that the student body will be close to 50/50 gives the AD
somthing to use as a measuring stick for the percentage of athletes.
While public opinion might justify one given year, it could bring you
down the next, and thus is a less accurate barometer, unless you feel like
adding/cutting a dozen sports a year and then cutting/reinstating them
the next.
 
Leigh
 
Mike-feel free to send this to the list as well, I can't figure out how to
go back now and change the outgoing address. It's a great question.
 
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---                                                                   ---
Mike Machnik                                            [log in to unmask]
Cabletron Systems, Inc.                                    *HMM* 11/13/93