Contact CBS 60 Minutes to thank them for Title IX feature

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
12/06/2002


60 Minutes, internationally-respected CBS News magazine show, featured a segment on Title IX during its Sunday, December 1 prime-time show.    USA Wrestling encourages the wrestling and the Olympics sports community to immediately contact 60 Minutes and thank them for having the courage and wisdom to research and air this feature.    60 Minutes   524 West 57th St.   New York, NY 10019   PHONE: (212) 975-3247     To send an email message on the show, visit http://www.cbsnews.com  Click on feedback link on the bottom of the page, then select 60 Minutes and fill in the internet form.    Those that have the capability to get online and to the cbsnews.com web page are encouraged to use this method, as it provides the fastest way to contact the show.    The piece, reported by veteran journalist Bob Simon, looked at many of the issues that have made Title IX a national controversy this year. The show pointed out many of the challenges faced by men athletes due to the interpretation of the law. As Simon said in his introduction, "male athletes on college campuses say they are being shafted by the way Title IX is being enforced."    Among those interviewed who explained the challenges faced by men's Olympic sports on college campuses were:  * Univ. of Chicago wrestling coach Leo Kocher, a leading advocate for Title IX change  * Two gymnasts from Michigan State Univ., Jason Lewis and Nate Dodsen. who had their program cut  * A former wrestler from Brigham Young Univ. Collin Robertson, who had his program cut  * A former wrestler from Marquette, Univ., Brock Warner, who had his program cut  * Univ. of Maryland athletic director Debbie Yow, who serves on the Commission on Opportunities in Athletics  * Olympian Steve McCain, a UCLA gymnast who had his program cut    Millions of Americans saw this feature. According to Nielsen, nearly 16 million viewers tuned in to the broadcast each Sunday evening over the 2000-01 season, for an average rating of 11.2 with a 19 share.     It is important for those who appreciated the work of 60 Minutes and journalist Simon on this feature to let CBS know. Those that wish can also explain in their own terms the problems with Title IX enforcement, especially the proportionality rule. Please remember that those who did not enjoy the message expressed in the piece will also be contacting 60 Minutes with their perspective.