Congressman Pallone Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Title IX

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of the 40th anniversary of Title IX, which falls on June 23, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) called on all Americans to join him in celebrating the enormous advances America’s women and girls have made since its adoption.  A bipartisan achievement, Title IX is a standard that has promoted equal opportunity in educational programs for women and contributed to the athletic and educational achievement of hundreds of thousands of young women. 

 

“The passage of Title IX 40 years ago represented a monumental step forward for women’s equality in the classroom and on the playing field,” said Pallone.  “As we celebrate the anniversary of this landmark legislation, we must honor its legacy and do our part as a nation to ensure all women have access to the opportunities they want and need.”

 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is the federal statute prohibiting sex discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.  It was passed by a Democratic-led Congress, with the leadership of Rep. Patsy Mink (D-HI) and Sen. Birch Bayh (D-IN) and signed into law by President Richard Nixon. 

 

Title IX is particularly known for its impact on athletics.  Since Title IX’s passage, the number of girls who compete in high school sports has grown tenfold – from fewer than 300,000 in 1972 to more than three million today.  Similarly, the number of young women who participate in college sports has grown sixfold – from fewer than 30,000 in 1972 to more than 190,000 today. 

 

However, Title IX affects all areas of education, not just athletics.  It has made it possible for women to pursue careers as lawyers, doctors, mechanics, and scientists.  It is important in bolstering equal access to educational opportunities in a full range of academic subjects, including science, technology, engineering, and math; and also ensuring an academic environment free of sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and violence.

 

“It is critically important that we continue the achievements made under Title IX and work to remove all institutional barriers to a level playing field between men and women.  While progress has been made, I will continue to work with the Obama Administration and others to ensure that Title IX is vigorously enforced,” added Pallone.

 

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Contact:

Ray Zaccaro

202-225-4671