FIND YOUR TITLE IX COORDINATOR

Do you know every school has a TitleIX Coordinator who enforces gender equity?

Learn more and find yours!

TITLE IX INFORMER

Home > Resources > Legal Cases > Pederson v. Louisiana State University

Pederson v. Louisiana State University

In 2000, female students at Louisiana State University sued their school for refusing to offer them athletic participation opportunities equal to those it offers its male students. Specifically, the women wanted LSU to field fast pitch softball and soccer teams. LSU tried to argue that there was not enough interest and ability to add the teams, but the court rejected these arguments and called them stereotypical and paternalistic. In addition, the court pointed to evidence that clearly illustrated the sexism that female students and athletes faced at LSU. For example, the athletic director referred to one of the plaintiffs as "honey," "sweetie," and "cutie," and said he favored adding soccer, "a more feminine sport," because female soccer players "would look cute running around in their soccer shorts." The court held that LSU discriminated against its female students in violation of Title IX, and the University added the two women's teams.

RELATED EXPLORATION

Rally for Girls' Sports: She’ll Win More Than a Game

High school girls across the country are struggling for a fair chance to play sports. Join our national campaign, Rally for Girls Sports: She’ll Win More Than a Game. Your support will help give girls the shot they deserve.

Find out how you can get involved.

Explore this article Read More
Billie Jean King's Message

Billie Jean King talks about the importance of Title IX.

View this video Read More
National Girls & Womens Sports Day

National Girls & Women in Sports Day began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic Volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women's sports.  Events are conducted around the country and on Capitol Hill throughout the month to celebrate the athletic achievements of girls and women and to promote the continued expansion of opportunities for girls to play sports and live physically active lives.

View this video Read More