University of Oklahoma Athletics
OU No. 1 in Big 12 in Gender Equity
February 22, 2008 | Athletics
Feb. 22, 2008
NORMAN, Okla. - As the University of Oklahoma continues to work towards the unveiling of its newest women's sport, rowing, a new study has recognized the OU Athletics Department for excelling in gender related issues.
Oklahoma is the top-rated Big 12 Conference member on Gender Equity Scorecard V issued by Charles Kennedy, Senior Political Science Instruction at Pennsylvania State University-York. OU ranked No. 23 nationally.
Kennedy, using figures from the United States Department of Education, cites five areas for his criterion: participation, scholarship, operating budget, recruiting budget and coaches salaries. A total of 115 Division I programs were included in the study.
North Texas ranked No. 1 followed by Nevada. Those two schools received an A+ grade. OU, which received a B grade, was one of 39 schools to rank in the B scale or higher.
While citing continuing lag in reaching gender equity nationally, Kennedy said in his summation that, "All schools with A and B+ grades should be highly commended, as well as all of the conference champions."
OU Vice President for Sports Programs and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Joe Castiglione said Oklahoma continues to strive for higher goals.
"This information demonstrates that we're making good progress," he said. "The programs and initiatives we have put in place are being recognized and I am pleased with that, while recognizing that we will have more to do. Our staff closely reviews our progress on many occasions throughout the year and remains dedicated to providing an environment that meets the needs of all our student-athletes and the goals of this university.
"That approach is in keeping with the atmosphere that President David Boren has promoted on this campus. We adopted the celebration of diversity as one of our department's six core values and we take all of those core values very seriously."
Lamar Daniel, who spent 20 years working for the Office of Civil Rights, has been contracted to review Oklahoma during Castiglione's tenure.
"Not everyone does what Joe does in bringing in someone for independent review," Daniel said. "Anyone who does that should be lauded, and Oklahoma has showed marked improvement under Joe's leadership.
"Oklahoma has a cohesive group and everyone seems to be on the same page there. The coaches have been willing to participate in roster management, but they also feel the freedom to share what is needed. And everybody wants to get the desired results.
"When I first began, Oklahoma had a number of (Title IX) problems, especially in its facilities, and the university has virtually eliminated those problems."
In recent years, Oklahoma has made a number of improvements to facilities that strengthen the university's commitment to gender equity. By the time ongoing projects to enhance gymnastics and tennis and softball are completed, Oklahoma will have spent more than $30,000,000 over roughly a five-year span to improve facilities that are used extensively by women or both genders.
OU Senior Woman Administrator Stephanie Rempe said a comprehensive approach has enabled the athletics department to excel.
"Everything from medical services to facilities and equipment to travel, publicity, housing and the quality of coaching received, is not only equitable for both genders, it is outstanding," she said. "There are very few programs that reach the level of excellence that we have at Oklahoma. The university and the community should be incredibly proud of the achievements of our program."
OU is finalizing the hiring of a rowing coach. That program, which will raise the school's intercollegiate sports offerings to 21, including 11 for women, is expected to begin competing during the 2008-09 school year.
Daniel has forecasted that the addition of rowing will elevate Oklahoma to substantial proportionality, the safest harbor for universities in their attempt reach Title IX compliance.
