PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University Athletics will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX with the Power of IX campaign, encompassing several events throughout the year, launching with the women's basketball game against UCLA, Feb. 11 at Beasley Coliseum.

The 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational institution that receives federal funding, is June 23. WSU has a substantial part in the history of Title IX with Blair v. Washington State University, a landmark women's rights case that changed the way Washington's public colleges and universities support women's athletics.

"Through recognition of Title IX pioneers, development opportunities for female student-athletes, community engagement, and a fundraising campaign for female sport programs, we are excited to celebrate these milestones throughout the year," said Director of Athletics Pat Chun. "Washington State played a significant role in the monumental shift in culture in women's athletics, and our goal with the events and campaign is to educate, celebrate, and continue to elevate our women's sports programs at WSU and nationally."

Among the numerous events and celebrations that will take place in 2022:

•    Honoring WSU Title IX pioneers, including Karen Blair, Marcia Saneholtz, Jeanne Eggart Helfer, Sue Durrant and Jo Washburn to name a few, and the history of their contributions to Title IX.
•    The establishment of a Power of IX Excellence Fund to provide necessary resources for the nine women's teams at WSU and create a pipeline of support for future generations of female student-athletes. In addition, a three-week giving campaign will launch, March 7 to highlight stories and priorities about past and present student-athletes, coaches and administrators related to Title IX.
•    The Title IX women's basketball game between the Cougars and UCLA at Beasley Coliseum, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. to kickoff the year-long campaign. Fans 17 and under receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased at wsucougars.com.
•    A Women's Empowerment Forum, March 8. As part of the student-athlete development department's "The Cougar Pursuit" initiative, the forum will feature a panel of alumni, coaches, faculty, and staff.
•    A Title IX celebration in September featuring the induction of an all-female class to the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

For more information about WSU Athletics celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, visit wsucougars.com and visit cougarathleticfund.com to donate to the Power of IX Fund.