Celebrating the Accomplishments of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Recognizing the Need to Continue Pursuing Educational Opportunitie

Floor Speech

CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972 AND RECOGNIZING THE NEED TO CONTINUE PURSUING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 20, 2007)

* Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, throughout this Nation's history there has been an undeniable struggle to insure that the American dream of liberty and justice for all becomes the American reality. For the current reality is one of a country tainted with prejudice; a country in which discrimination based on race, sex, and class permeates every aspect of our society. Still, throughout history there have been those who have fought with courage and conviction for justice and equity, and it is because of them that we as a Nation have progressed.

* The late Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink is one such person. Today I rise in support of H.R. 406 which celebrates the accomplishments of Congresswoman Mink and the passage of Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. Title IX, also known as the Equal Opportunity in Education Act, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the administration of education programs.

* Congresswoman Mink, a courageous champion of women's rights, once declared, ``All persons regardless of their sex, must have enough opportunities open so that they can contribute as much to their lives and this society as they can.'' Mink served 12 terms in this House representing Hawaii, and throughout those 12 terms, she was steadfast in her commitment to social justice. Due to her stalwart conviction, Title IX and its enactment are responsible for increased educational opportunities for women and girls. As such, among women, high school graduation rates have risen to 85 percent, those earning bachelors degrees has reached 26 percent, and employment opportunities are ever improving. It is because of Title IX that our country's women and girls are able to pursue their dreams without the hindrances of institutionalized oppression. As a result of Title IX, our women are able to learn, grow, and thrive unapologetically.

* It must, however, be noted that despite this undeniable progress, there still remains much work to be done. H.R. 406 enumerates the numerous arenas in which women must still battle for fair and equitable treatment. To this day, women are still victims of sexual harassment in the workplace, salary inequality in comparison to their male counterparts, and limited access to career opportunities in the fields of math and science. Let us not become complacent and find solace in the status quo, as true equality has yet to be attained.

* The 35 years since enactment of Title IX can be lauded as 35 years of progress. We must continue to commemorate the legislatures and the legislation that propel our country forward. We must continue to work towards a future in which social ills such as bigotry and sex discrimination are of the past. Let us take pride in what has been accomplished by pioneers such as Congresswoman Mink while continuing the fight for equality, justice, and the realization of the American dream.

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