Reps. Maloney, Moore, & Fudge celebrate 40th Anniversary of Title IX with Congressional Resolution

Jun 22, 2012
Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Reps. Carolyn Maloney (NY-14), Gwen Moore (WI-4) and Marcia Fudge (OH-11) introduced a resolution (H. Res. 694) celebrating the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the federal law banning sex discrimination in education programs that receive federal funds.

“I can recall when I and my female classmates didn’t participate in sports simply because there weren’t any sports for girls to play,” said Rep. Maloney. “While Title IX has literally changed the playing field for girls and women in athletics, this landmark legislation also created opportunities for women in math, law, science, and other fields where women and girls have historically faced considerable barriers to access and involvement. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this Resolution with my colleagues to recognize the tremendous impact of Title IX and affirm the strides we must still make so that all girls and women can achieve true equality. Here’s to 40 more years of breaking down barriers and shattering glass ceilings.”

“As co-chair of the bipartisan Caucus on Women’s Issues, I am proud today to stand with my colleagues to celebrate 40 years of Title IX,” said Rep. Moore. “Title IX is about more than creating opportunities for women in sports. This law was designed to be a strong and comprehensive measure that would combat all forms of gender discrimination in education. While much has been accomplished under this law we must continue to provide the necessary funding and resources to enforce Title IX to help us break down barriers and provide greater opportunities for women.”

“Title IX has provided women with life-changing opportunities that include, but are not limited to, athletics,” said Rep. Fudge. “This legislation has ensured equal opportunity in educational and extra-curricular programs by prohibiting sex discrimination and addressing harassment in a meaningful way. As a result, Title IX has also fostered exposure to skills that facilitate professional advancement, like teaming while engaged in healthy competition. Since Title IX, women have been able to participate in a more equitable academic and athletic playing field. As a college athlete who lettered in three sports after passage of Title IX, I know that we have ample reason to celebrate, but understand that there is still work to be done.”

Title IX serves as a vital stepping stone to creating an environment of equality for women and girls – something that must always remain a congressional priority.  
 
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Background.

Since its implementation in 1972, Title IX has broken through walls of discrimination that have long stood in the way of women’s accomplishment. This landmark legislation has enabled women and girls to achieve new heights in science and math, participate in athletics, and learn in an environment free from bias and harassment. However, according to a new report released by the National Council on Women and Girls in Education, women and girls still face serious challenges to equality in education. Congress must do its part to improve enforcement and awareness of the law to truly fulfill the promise of Title IX for all students. The resolution (H. Res. 694) introduced today has 13 original cosponsors: Rep. Maloney (NY-14), Rep. Moore (WI-4), Rep. Fudge (OH-11), Delegate Holmes Norton (DC), Rep. Wilson (FL-17), Rep. Lee (CA-9), Rep. McCollum (MN-4), Rep. Richardson (CA-37), Rep. Towns (NY-10), Rep. Carnahan (MO-3), Rep. Woolsey (CA-6), Rep. McDermott (WA-7), and Rep. McGovern (MA-3).