Setting priorities

     Putting aside the merits of Title IX, the federal legislation designed to achieve the amorphous concept of "gender equity" in college sports, Nevada universities still face potential lawsuits if they fail to comply with the law.
      Last week, Joe Crowley, the president of the University of Nevada, Reno, asked lawmakers for $1 million to support gender equity programs, most likely an increase in the number of scholarships for female athletes at the state's two universities.
      To their credit, lawmakers looked askance at the request. Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, a Las Vegas Democrat, noted that any crunch comes as a result of the universities choosing "to not spend wisely."
      Don Hataway of the state budget office pointed out that the governor has recommended a 20 percent increase in the overall budget for higher education, and that the university athletic departments have not always spent money as intended.
      What this all boils down to is Mr. Crowley seeks more money under the cover of Title IX to avoid making spending and policy decisions that would otherwise be necessary.
      In addition to a generous increase in support for state universities, the governor's budget already includes $50,000 a year specifically for gender equity programs within the athletic departments. If Mr. Crowley feels that isn't enough, he ought to recommend shifting funds from somewhere else within the higher education budget so as not to further burden the taxpayers.