What is a potential influence of Title IX on college programs?

Title IX is a federal law that aims to eliminate gender discrimination in educational programs and activities, including sports. The correct answer emphasizes the law's role in promoting equal treatment of male and female athletes, which is one of its primary objectives.

Under Title IX, institutions that receive federal funding are required to provide equal opportunities in athletics regardless of gender. This means that colleges and universities must ensure that both male and female athletes have access to similar resources, facilities, coaching, scholarships, and competition opportunities. The law has significantly contributed to increasing female participation in sports at the collegiate level and has prompted many institutions to evaluate and improve their compliance with these requirements.

The other options are not aligned with the intent or impact of Title IX. For instance, the decrease in funding for women’s sports contradicts the law’s purpose. Allowing special consideration for male athletes would also be against the principles of equality that the law reinforces. Lastly, stating that Title IX has no impact on recruitment practices disregards the ways in which gender equity has influenced the recruitment strategies of many colleges and universities to ensure compliance with the law.