Arizona Humanities Presents: Access to Athletics for Girls and Women

Long before Title IX (a law which prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools that receive federal funding), Ina E. Gittings became the first university Director of Women’s Physical Education and Athletics in Arizona in 1920, where she would spend the rest of her life. Before arriving at University of Arizona and traveling the state to help develop women’s and girls’ athletic opportunities, the Nebraska Phi Beta Kappa, pole-vaulting, homesteading educator served in the US Army Medical Corps during World War I as a Reconstruction Aide—the world’s first generation of physical therapists. She followed this with a stint in humanitarian service aiding Armenian refugees in Turkey. Through this interactive presentation exploring the past and current landscape for women athletes, discover the significance of this fascinating individual whose very name marks Arizona’s map.

This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities.