Judge approves landmark Title IX settlement: 'These women have made history'

TL;DR

A federal judge has approved a $300,000 settlement for former female athletes at San Diego State, who accused the school of violating Title IX. This landmark case marks the first time a school will pay damages for depriving women athletes of equal financial aid.

Key points

Federal judge approves $300,000 Title IX settlement
Settlement benefits 798 former female athletes at SDSU
First case where a school pays damages for Title IX violations
SDSU required to comply with Title IX moving forward
Settlement includes $1.3 million for plaintiffs' attorneys

Mentioned in this story

San Diego StateArthur Bryant

Title IX

SAN DIEGO — A federal judge has approved a landmark settlement that will pay former female athletes at San Diego State a combined $300,000 in damages after they sued the school and accused it of violating Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sexual discrimination in the workplace.

U.S. District Judge Todd Robinson delivered the order April 20, approving settlement terms that were reached last year, including $1.3 million to be paid by SDSU to the plaintiffs’ attorneys who brought this class-action suit on behalf of the women.

The $300,000 is to be split among a class of 798 former athletes at SDSU, which might not seem like much. But this outcome marks something bigger, plaintiffs attorney Arthur Bryant said.

“These women have made history,” Bryant told USA TODAY Sports on April 20. “This is the first case ever in which a school is going to pay damages to women athletes for depriving them of equal athletic financial aid. It is definitely not going to be the last. And SDSU is going to comply with Title IX.”

Now that the settlement has been approved, SDSU must pay the amounts within 30 days, according to the judge’s order.

2026: UCLA Bruins

2025: Connecticut Huskies

2024: South Carolina Gamecocks

Q&A

What is the significance of the Title IX settlement for female athletes?

The settlement is significant as it marks the first time a school has paid damages specifically for depriving female athletes of equal financial aid under Title IX.

How much will each former athlete receive from the settlement?

The $300,000 settlement will be divided among 798 former athletes, resulting in a small amount for each individual.

What are the terms of the settlement approved by the judge?

The settlement includes $300,000 in damages for the athletes and $1.3 million to be paid to the plaintiffs' attorneys.

When must San Diego State pay the settlement amount?

San Diego State must pay the settlement amounts within 30 days of the judge's order.