The public also must understand that contrary to some popular thought, men's athletics participation has not suffered as we have moved toward increasing athletics opportunities for women. Information furnished by the NCAA shows that the number of male college athletes increased by more than 16,000 between 1982 and 1992. We also would like - and we need your assistance in identifying ways for enhancing equal opportunity in intercollegiate athletics. We need your advice and suggestions on all aspects of our compliance and technical-assistance program. There is no place for discrimination in sports.
Discrimination goes against the very grain of what competition is all about.
In sports, we encourage and reward only on performance. In our history, sports have been the great equalizer, crossing all artificial social and class distinctions and barriers. We need to showcase sports as a model of equality in American society. With your help, we will make greater strides in establishing a level playing field for all who wish to take advantage of athletics opportunity. Norma V. Cantu is assistant secretary for civil rights of the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.