Title IX, the federal law that radically changed the education landscape by prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities, was enacted 50 years ago. Atlanta associate and education attorney Lexi Trumble recently spoke with Caroline Fitzgerald, host of “The Business Case for Women's Sports” podcast, to discuss this game-changing law and break down the impact that Title IX has had on collegiate women's sports.

"Title IX itself is only 37 words long. It does not mention sports. It does not mention athletics. It does not mention teams or funding or assault or misconduct," Trumble said. "So that means that the true power of Title IX kind of comes from its ideals — the idea that women and that people of all sexes are entitled at a legislative level, in addition to a human level, to equal opportunities and treatment while they are receiving an education."

Maintaining a full-time Title IX legal practice is personal for Trumble. She grew up as a competitive gymnast in South Carolina (a state that, until recently, had no NCAA gymnastics teams), eventually becoming a gymnast at Clemson University while she was in college. There, she also discovered her passion for preventing, investigating, and adjudicating instances of gender-based sexual assault and misconduct. Now practicing as a Title IX gender equity attorney, Trumble has combined her passions with her legal education to serve higher education clients across the country. One of her clients is her alma mater Clemson University, which is preparing to launch several new Division I athletics teams for women athletes, including highly anticipated women’s gymnastics and lacrosse programs.

In her practice, Trumble helps counsel colleges and universities on legal and compliance matters such as Title IX athletics and sexual misconduct, athletics strategic planning, and school and university law.

“The Business Case for Women's Sports” is a podcast from GOALS Sports exploring every corner of the women's sports industry from the field to the front office, according to its website. Fitzgerald interviews leaders in women's sports to discuss a range of topics that influence the game on and off the field, including data insights, marketing strategies, monetization opportunities, and sponsorship/endorsement deals.

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