The first is called proportionality, where the percentage of men and women athletes should be substantially proportional to the number of men and women on campus. The second has to do with a continuing history of expansion of opportunities for women. The third has to do with accomodation of interest and abilities. Norma Cantu of the Office of Civil Rights confirms this in her clarification letter in 1995. An institution that does not provide substantially proportional participation opportunities for men and women may comply with Title IX by satisfying part two or part three of the test.
Proportionality is very clear cut and objective, based strictly on percentages.
Even though university administrators talk about how difficult it is to cut programs, proportionality is the simplest and the least creative method to reach Title IX compliance. When reading the 1997 Gender Equity Study, or any study that looks at college sports, you have to look a little closer than just reading the percentages. If proportionality is the only method for enforcement of Title IX, then only nine Div. Take a closer look and see what proportionality really is doing. Rather than increasing women's opportunities, many colleges are just cutting men's opportunities to achieve a numerical quota.