Don’t like the results of a government report? Sue.

“A nonprofit group that objects to a 2001 [GAO] report on Title IX, the 1972 law that bars gender discrimination at schools receiving federal funds, has decided to sue the messenger. The report, ‘Intercollegiate Athletics: Four-Year Colleges’ Experiences Adding and Discontinuing Teams,’ found that the number of men’s and women’s sports teams both increased from […]

“A nonprofit group that objects to a 2001 [GAO] report on Title IX, the 1972 law that bars gender discrimination at schools receiving federal funds, has decided to sue the messenger. The report, ‘Intercollegiate Athletics: Four-Year Colleges’ Experiences Adding and Discontinuing Teams,’ found that the number of men’s and women’s sports teams both increased from 1981 to 1999, although the rise in men’s teams was smaller. The report was a blow to critics who argued that enforcement of Title IX had encouraged colleges and universities to cut men’s programs to comply with the law.” So, one group hurt by the study, the College Sports Council, decided to sue, claiming that the methodology was flawed and that the results have “misled” Congress. Comptroller General David M. Walker said that this is the first time the GAO has been sued over the contents of a report. But, as Walker said, “In America, anybody can sue anybody about anything.” (Christopher Lee, “Nonprofit Sues GAO Over Title IX Report,” Wash. Post, Jan. 10).

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