Selection of Reagan for NCAA Honor Spurs Protest by Women

The selection of former President Ronald Reagan for the NCAA’s highest honor has spurred several female members to organize a low-key protest for next week’s convention in Dallas.

The NCAA female contingent, including University of Texas Women’s Athletic Director Donna Lopiano, is upset over the award because they believe Reagan set back the women’s athletic movement during his eight-year term in office.

“As far as opportunities for women, as far as minority opportunities during Reagan’s administration, they weren’t very good. In fact, they were awful,” Lopiano told the Austin American-Statesman.

“There will be a very low-key protest, but a very well warranted one,” she said.

The National Collegiate Athletic Assn. will convene in Dallas on Sunday through Tuesday to discuss new legislation and to honor Reagan with the Teddy Award, named for former President Theodore Roosevelt. The award, presented since 1967, is given to a “distinguished citizen of national reputation and outstanding accomplishment,” NCAA spokesman Jim Marchiony said.

Carol Mann, a member of the LPGA Hall of Fame, resigned from the awards committee because Reagan was selected. Other members have said they won’t attend Monday’s banquet, where Reagan is to be honored.

Those opposed to Reagan’s selection cited his lack of support for women’s athletics, particularly his opposition to a federal equality act.