[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 50 (Thursday, March 27, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H2456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       MORE SUPPORT FOR TITLE IX

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bradley of New Hampshire). Under the 
Speaker's announced policy of January 7, 2003, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Holt) is recognized for the remaining time of the 
gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter).
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of title IX. Title IX of the 
educational amendments of 1972 have really been instrumental in 
prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex by mandating gender 
equality and educational programs and activities receiving Federal 
financial assistance.
  Before the passage of title IX, when I and most of our colleagues 
were in college, many schools saw no problem in maintaining strict 
limits on admission of women or in simply refusing to admit them, or in 
denying them access to much of the opportunities within colleges and 
universities.

                              {time}  1545

  This has changed dramatically since the passage of Title IX. The 
effects of the legislation are evident in the success of women in the 
classroom, on the campus, and in our society at large.
  In 1972, women received only 9 percent of medical degrees, 7 percent 
of law degrees, a quarter of doctoral degrees. By 2000, women received 
45 percent of medical degrees, 44 percent of law degrees, and 44 
percent of doctoral degrees. There is a connection.
  Thanks to Patsy Mink and others who fought to get Title IX into the 
legislation, women now have opportunities on the athletic field, 
throughout the campus, and throughout their lives. By participating in 
sports, young women realize significant benefits that often correlate 
to achievement in the classroom and, ultimately, success in college and 
in the work force.
  Women who participate in athletics have higher graduation rates and 
develop important skills like teamwork, leadership, discipline, that 
stay with them throughout their lives.
  Attacks on Title IX have taken on really ludicrous dimensions. I have 
heard some teams, male teams, blame their losing seasons on Title IX. I 
am sorry, it just does not wash. Title IX is a success. It is a great 
boon to our society, to our economy, to the education of our people.
  Unfortunately, the administration is considering proposals that would 
dramatically weaken the important provisions of Title IX. Female 
athletes stand to lose scholarships, they stand to lose chances for 
athletic participation, they stand to lose much of what we have gained 
since Patsy Mink fought to get Title IX into law.
  We may not allow, we cannot allow this to happen. We cannot allow the 
administration to diminish the opportunities afforded to American women 
or to undo the progress we have made over the past 30 years. Title IX 
has enabled millions of young women to pursue goals which their 
grandmothers and mothers could have only dreamed of.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope all my colleagues will join me as we work to 
preserve the integrity of this landmark law.

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