(Washington D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ted Stevens (R-AK) helped pass a Senate Resolution that they sponsored to honor the 35th Anniversary of Title IX. Congress enacted Title IX in 1972 to address widespread gender discrimination against women in athletics and all other aspects of their education. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in the administration of any education program that receives federal funding. The Senate passed the Resolution, S Res. 242 by unanimous consent.
"This resolution recognizes 35 years of access and opportunity for millions of young women across our country," said Senator Murray. "By breaking down gender barriers in athletics, Title IX has allowed women to get a college education, reap the benefits of sports participation, and inspire new generations to strive for athletic success.
"The challenge for all of us, today, is to make sure those doors of opportunity stay open for our granddaughters and great-granddaughters." Murray added. "Statistics, anecdotal evidence and court cases still strongly suggest that male and female athletes still are not being treated equally. I am committed to strengthening this important civil rights law and building on the tremendous successes of Title IX over the past 35 years."
“This Resolution reaffirms the Senate’s commitment to gender equality in collegiate athletics and education,” said Senator Stevens. “Title IX has been a great success. It was a privilege to help craft this legislation 35 years ago, and as the father of three daughters, I am proud to continue supporting it today.”
The text of the resolution is below:
Celebrating the accomplishments of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, and recognizing the need to continue pursuing the goal of educational opportunities for women and girls.
Whereas 35 years ago, on June 23, 1972, the Education Amendments of 1972 containing title IX was signed into law by the President;
Whereas Representatives Patsy T. Mink and Edith Green led the successful fight in Congress to pass this legislation;
Whereas title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the administration of any education program receiving Federal financial assistance;
Whereas remarkable gains have been made to ensure equal opportunity for women and girls under the inspiration and mandate of title IX;
Whereas title IX serves as the nondiscrimination principle in education;
Whereas title IX has increased access and opportunities for women and girls;
Whereas title IX has increased educational opportunities for women and girls, increased access to professional schools and nontraditional fields of study, and improved employment opportunities;
Whereas title IX has increased opportunities for women and girls in sports, leading to greater access to competitive sports, and building strong values such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, work ethic, self-sacrifice, pride in accomplishment, and strength of character;
Whereas on October 29, 2002, title IX was named the `Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act’ in recognition of Representative Mink’s heroic, visionary, and tireless leadership in developing and winning passage of title IX; and
Whereas Title IX has been instrumental in fostering 35 years of progress toward equality between men and women in educational institutions and the workplace, there remains progress to be made: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives celebrates–
(1) the accomplishments of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, in increasing opportunities for women and girls in all facets of education; and
(2) the magnificent accomplishments of women and girls in sports.
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