State Gender Equity Law & Athletic Participation Among Community Colleges in Washington State

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of partial tuition waivers for athletic participation among community colleges in Washington State and its implications for state and federal gender equity policy and legislation. Using a mixed-methods approach, this article presents findings from Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act data, document analysis, and interviews with athletic directors and conference officials. Implications of the partial tuition waiver program on participation rates among Northwest Athletic Association for Community Colleges member institutions in Washington and the recommendations for gender equity are presented.