The Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA) has renamed its flagship research grant program to honor the late Dr. Bernice “Bunny” Sandler. The program, now known as the Dr. Bernice Sandler Title IX Research Grant, recognizes Sandler’s significant contributions to education equity and her pivotal role in the establishment of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs.
The renaming marks a decade of ATIXA’s commitment to funding research on sex-based discrimination, compliance, and best practices in education. Sandler, who passed away in 2019, is often referred to as the “Godmother of Title IX” for her relentless advocacy that reshaped opportunities for women in higher education.
Honoring Legacy and Continuing the Fight for Equity
ATIXA launched the grant program in 2015 to facilitate research that informs how educational institutions interpret and implement Title IX. By attaching Sandler’s name to it, the organization aims to create a lasting connection between contemporary policy discussions and the activist whose efforts prompted significant legislative changes over fifty years ago.
In the late 1960s, Sandler uncovered federal contractor rules that barred sex discrimination by institutions receiving federal funds. She utilized these rules to file hundreds of administrative complaints against colleges and universities, highlighting the systemic sidelining of female faculty and staff. Her advocacy was instrumental in triggering landmark congressional hearings in 1970, which ultimately led to the passage of Title IX in 1972.
Throughout her career, Sandler provided guidance to various presidential administrations, authored influential research on gender bias in academia, and served as an expert witness in discrimination and harassment cases. Her contributions have played a crucial role in shaping the interpretation and enforcement of Title IX.
A Response to Current Challenges in Research Funding
The renaming of the grant program serves as both a tribute to Sandler’s legacy and a statement of purpose during a time when funding for Title IX research has become increasingly contentious. Brett A. Sokolow, chair of the TNG Board of Directors and ATIXA Advisory Board, expressed concern over the reduction of funding opportunities. “We view this as punitive and exclusionary,” Sokolow stated, emphasizing ATIXA’s commitment to supporting research that enhances understanding, promotes fair practices, and upholds the foundational promise of equity under Title IX.
The grant program invites both ATIXA members and the general public to apply for awards of $2,500 to conduct studies advancing Title IX’s sex-equity goals. Researchers can explore various approaches, from historical analyses to investigations of emerging compliance and policy challenges. Recipients are encouraged to share their findings through multiple ATIXA platforms, which include presentations at the annual conference, blog series, and recorded webinars for a members-only library.
By anchoring the grant in Dr. Sandler’s name, ATIXA aims to ensure that her legacy continues to influence the future of Title IX research and discussions surrounding educational equity. The organization’s commitment to rigorous scholarship remains steadfast, providing a platform for independent research that addresses critical issues in education today.
