The Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA) has renamed its primary research grant program to honor Dr. Bernice “Bunny” Sandler, a pivotal figure in the establishment of Title IX. The program is now called the Dr. Bernice Sandler Title IX Research Grant, celebrating her legacy as the “Godmother of Title IX.” This renaming coincides with the tenth anniversary of ATIXA’s efforts to support scholarship focused on sex-based discrimination and compliance within education.
Dr. Sandler, who passed away in 2019, played a crucial role in reshaping opportunities for women in higher education. In the late 1960s, she discovered federal contractor regulations that prohibited sex discrimination in institutions receiving federal funding. By filing numerous administrative complaints against colleges and universities, she highlighted the sidelining of female faculty and staff, which led to significant congressional hearings in 1970 and ultimately contributed to the passage of Title IX in 1972. This legislation expanded the ban on sex discrimination to students as well.
The ATIXA initiated the grant program in 2015 to foster research that informs the interpretation and application of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. By linking the program to Sandler’s name, ATIXA underscores the relevance of her advocacy in contemporary discussions surrounding educational equity.
Impact of Renaming on Title IX Research
Brett A. Sokolow, chair of the TNG Board of Directors and the ATIXA Advisory Board, emphasized the significance of this renaming as both a tribute and a reaffirmation of commitment to research in an increasingly politically charged environment. “Funding opportunities to study issues surrounding Title IX have been reduced or eliminated under the current administration, which we view as punitive and exclusionary,” Sokolow stated. He highlighted ATIXA’s dedication to promoting research that enhances understanding, supports fair practices, and maintains the foundational promise of equity embedded in Title IX.
The renamed grant program is accessible to both ATIXA members and the general public. Researchers, whether individuals or teams, can apply for awards of up to $2,500 to conduct studies that advance the goals of Title IX. These studies may include historical analyses or research addressing emerging compliance challenges. Recipients of the grant are encouraged to present their findings through various ATIXA platforms, including annual conferences, blog series, and webinars available in the organization’s members-only library.
Sandler’s legacy is expected to continue influencing future discussions and research on Title IX. By anchoring the grant in her name, ATIXA aims to inspire a new generation of scholars and advocates committed to maintaining the principles of equity in education.
As discussions around Title IX persist, the renaming of this grant serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equity and the importance of informed research in shaping policies that affect educational institutions across the nation.
