ESPN Film Screenings Highlight Women's Struggle For Workplace Equality...On The Court/In The Locker Room

NORTHWEST -- With last week's striking down of the Defense of Marriage Act by the U.S. Supreme Court, the issue of equality resurfaced at the forefront of the global zeitgeist. But such cultural battles over societal parity have been occurring for centuries.

Photo: Randy Sager Photography
More than 40 years ago, the fight over gender equality was making headlines, with the passing of Title IX in 1972, which had the landmark effect of banning discrimination in schools, be it in either academics or athletics.

Photo: Randy Sager Photography
Fast forward to the present day where ESPN Films and espnW have partnered on a special 'Nine for IX' film series that will air on ESPN this summer to commemorate the anniversary of such banner legislation.

Photo: Randy Sager Photography
And two of the films that are part of this series -- 'Venus Vs.' and 'Let Them Wear Towels' -- were previewed to a handful of lucky Washingtonians last night, during a special screening hosted by the Center for American Progress.

Photo: Randy Sager Photography
A part of the nonpartisan nonprofit's 'Reel Progress' film series, the early screening was preceded by an introduction from Latifa Lyles, Acting Director, Women’s Bureau at the U.S. Department of Labor and followed by an intimate panel featuring a variety of distinguished guests, including “Venus Vs.” director Ava DuVernay.