Community college leaders would be hard pressed to find a federal statute that has had such a tremendous impact, yet is as widely misunderstood--even reviled--as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Simply put, the law states that any educational program or activity receiving federal funding cannot discriminate on the basis of gender. While Title IX is most often associated with high school and college athletics, having paved the way for millions of women to participate in competitive sports, it also prohibits discriminatory practices in academics and all other aspects of education. This includes ensuring a campus environment that is free from sexual harassment or assault. Although fewer than half of community colleges have intercollegiate sports programs, and most don't have on-campus housing, Title IX should still be a focus area on community college campuses. College leaders say compliance with the law requires ongoing communication, training and establishing the right campus culture. Nearly 50 years after Title IX was enacted, there is still confusion about what it requires. According to Good Sports, the law follows the same general approach as all civil rights legislation by requiring equal access to athletic programs and equal treatment of those who participate. To address access, there is a three-part test that gives institutions three different ways to comply. Colleges only need to meet one of these three requirements: (1) Ensure participation in athletics for women and men at rates that are proportional to their enrollment; (2) Show that opportunities have been added for the underrepresented sex as their interests and abilities have evolved; and (3) Offer every team for which there is sufficient interest and ability, as well as sufficient competition in the geographic areas where the college normally competes.