Congress Celebrates the Legacy of Title IX (Rep. Lois Capps)

Yesterday the House passed H.Res. 406 — Celebrating the accomplishments of Title IX. On behalf of the Democratic Women’s Working Group, I would like to thank my colleagues for their support of this resolution honoring this landmark legislation. I would also like to acknowledge our colleague, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), for her leadership in authoring this legislation and overseeing its successful passage by the House.

Thanks to the leadership of the late Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink (D-Hawaii) and the late Congresswoman Edith Green (D-Ore.), who led the fight back in 1972 to pass this legislation, Title IX has been opening doors of opportunity to American women and girls for 35 years. This landmark legislation banned sex discrimination in education, employment, and athletics, resulting in historic gains for women in the classroom, in the boardroom and on the playing field.

Today women and girls continue to benefit from Title IX, which improved opportunities to pursue higher education, removed barriers to science and math education, and provided greater access to financial aid. More women than ever attend college and pursue advanced degrees and record numbers of women enjoy successful careers in fields such as business, law, and medicine that were formerly exclusively open to men. One of Title IX’s greatest accomplishments is that children growing up today in America know that they can pursue the educational and career paths of their choice regardless of their gender.

Perhaps the most visible legacy of Title IX has been the improved equality in women’s athletics in high school and college. Long gone are the days when female athletes were treated as second class citizens with limited access to resources and opportunities to compete. Today girls and young women participate in a multitude of athletic endeavors and the opportunities to compete at the college level and even professionally continue to grow. For these young women the chance to compete athletically has enriched their lives, building confidence, friendships, athletic skills and healthy lifestyles.

After 35 years of Title IX, women have been able to achieve historic successes athletically, academically, and professionally. While we recognize and honor the achievements of the past 35 years, we also look forward to continued progress for American women as we work to realize equal opportunity in our society.

Today there will be a reception honoring Patsy Mink and the 35th Anniversary of Title IX beginning at 6 pm in Rayburn B-362. Please join us in celebrating the leadership of this remarkable woman and this landmark legislation.

Editor’s note: Rep. Capps serves as chair of the Democratic Women’s Working Group.