Final answer:
Title IX of the Education Act of 1972 has expanded educational and sports opportunities for female students, which is true. It prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal funding and has led to increased participation of women in professional and higher education programs. The correct option is 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
Title IX of the Education Act of 1972 has indeed expanded educational and sports opportunities for female students, so the correct answer is True. This legislative act made it illegal to discriminate based on sex in any educational program or activity that received federal funding.
Furthermore, Title IX played a critical role in the increase of women participating in professional, medical, and graduate programs, and it had a significant impact on ensuring equal opportunities in college athletics.
While some have criticized Title IX for potentially diverting funds towards women's sports at the expense of men's sports, defenders point out that all women's sports combined often receive less funding than male-dominated sports such as basketball or football in universities. The law applies to all aspects of educational programs, including academic programs and school activities, and it has been instrumental in reducing gender discrimination in education.
Continued evolution of Title IX protections has seen its application extended beyond gender to encompass protection against discrimination for transgender students as well. This underscores Title IX's role as a foundational element in the pursuit of equality in education.