Murray Stands Up for Women and Girls Through Title IX

Since 1972, Title IX has opened the doors to athletics, education and success for millions of young women across America. For thirty years the program has increased participation under Republican and Democratic administrations alike, because Title IX is not about politics - it is about helping young women realize their dreams.

I am here today because I know that behind all the statistics, the lives of many women have been improved because of the changes brought about through Title IX.

I've seen how Title IX has changed the experiences of the women in my own family.

The atmosphere was much different when I went to school thirty years ago. Back then at Washington State University, I could participate in just a few sports and women receiving athletic scholarships was unheard of.

Fifteen years later it was amazing to watch my own daughter choose to play soccer -learning how to play on and be part of a team, cheering each other on, and learning how to be gracious in victory and defeat. The difference between my daughter's generation and my own could not be more stark.

One of my favorite memories is when I watched my daughter's high school friends compete in the High School Basketball Championships when she was a junior. When they won the state championship it was a dream come true. Women of my generation never had the chance to go to college on a sports scholarship, even though many deserved them. The difference is that some of my daughter's friends have done just that.

Not all girls -- and not all boys -- will be state champions or Olympic Stars. But all of them should have the chance to learn to work together, do their best, fight hard, and be proud of their own abilities. Isn't that what America is all about?

There is no doubt that Title IX has opened doors for women between the time I went to school and my daughter went to school. The challenge for all of us, today, is to make sure those doors of opportunity stay open for our granddaughters and great-granddaughters. Our civil rights laws, represent our attempt to build a nation of equal opportunity, finally guaranteeing that every child has the chance to reach her dreams.

I am very concerned that the report being submitted today by the Title IX Commission will prevent future generations of young women from making these dreams come true. Our goal must be to build upon the progress of the last 30 years - not to take us backwards. That is why I am sending a letter to Senator Gregg, Chair of the HELP Committee asking for a hearing on the process and recommendations of the Commission.

I remain committed to doing all that I can to protect Title IX and the future of every girl in Washington state and around the country who dreams of making the team, wearing a uniform, or winning an athletic scholarship. I urge President Bush to protect existing Title IX policies and give every young girl in America the chance to experience the roar of a crowd - and not just cheer from the sidelines.