An overview is presented of the political struggle for equal rights for women athletes. Discussed is the role of the National Collegiate Association for Athletics (NCAA), which has been against increased intercollegiate and interscholastic athletic opportunities for women. The genesis of the Fourteenth Amendment (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) prohibiting discrimination based on sex is also discussed, and subsequent court litigation over rulings peripheral to the intent of Title VII are recounted. Descriptions are given of the gradual polarization of points of view on womens' athletics, and the growth of opposition in the federal government to affirmative action in cases involving civil rights. It is pointed out that an increasing tendency to view athletic programs as corporate sports and business enterprises rather than educational experiences is detrimental to womens' athletic programs. (JD)