WOMEN'S SPORTS AND FITNESS

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers recognizes the importance of girls' and women's right to participate fully in sports and fitness activities and classes on an equal basis with boys and men, as provided in Title IX and other legislation; and

WHEREAS, full equity and empowerment of girls and women in schools, college and professional sports has not yet been achieved; and

WHEREAS, girls and women need the self-confidence and self-esteem accomplished by participation in sports to have the opportunities to develop team work, cooperation and leadership qualities, as well as the healthful benefits of exercise all throughout life; and

WHEREAS, according to information published by the Women's Sports Foundation, women have been discriminated against in the hiring of individuals for athletic leadership positions, less than one-sixth of all women's athletic programs being headed by women; and

WHEREAS, the lack of women in athletic leadership positions affects the roles they are to play as role models, as effective members of governing bodies of important athletic sports organizations:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers support educational equity and oppose any kind of discrimination against girls and women in sports opportunities; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers oppose all cuts in the amount of time spent during the school day and educational offerings in physical activities for girls and women; and

RESOLVED, that educational programs in physical fitness for girls and women be taught to emphasize the gender-specific physiological benefits for their gender; and

RESOLVED, that local school boards, colleges and universities provide equal facilities and professional teachers, coaches and department heads for females.