[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 3 (Thursday, January 22, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING SENATOR BIRCH BAYH

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise in tribute to a distinguished public 
servant, and a member of the Senate for 18 years, Senator Birch Bayh of 
Indiana.
  Today, Senator Bayh is celebrating his 76th birthday. Earlier this 
week, I had the privilege of participating in an event honoring Senator 
Bayh at the University of Connecticut. Senator Bayh was recognized for 
his role as a chief architect of title IX, the historic legislation 
that prohibits discrimination against women in education.
  Before title IX became law in 1972, American women and girls were 
treated as second-class citizens in our educational system. They were 
discouraged from studying subjects like math, science, and law. Many 
schools and universities had separate entrance requirements for male 
and female students--and many others did not admit women at all. Those 
women who did gain admission were often subject to discriminatory 
policies. Some were denied scholarships and other forms of financial 
aid. Others were excluded from honor societies, clubs, and other 
organizations and activities.
  Thanks to title IX, women have taken their rightful place in American 
education--as students, teachers, professors, even university 
presidents. And equality in education has helped women find 
opportunities for success in virtually every aspect of American life. 
Today's women in America are doctors, lawyers, engineers, and business 
owners. They are mayors, governors, judges, and legislators. This 
distinguished body is privileged to count 14 women among its Members. 
And the day will likely soon come when this country elects its first 
woman President.
  Title IX's impact is felt not only in the classroom and the 
boardroom, but in the locker room as well. Since title IX was passed, 
the number of women playing collegiate sports has increased from about 
32,000 to nearly 150,000. Today, 3 million high school girls play 
competitive sports, compared to only 300,000 thirty years ago. America 
has a successful professional women's basketball league. And every 4 
years, the Women's World Cup in soccer attracts thousands of 
spectators, and millions of TV viewers, across our Nation. The 
University of Connecticut, whose female student-athletes excel in both 
academics and athletics, is a shining example of the dramatic and 
positive change that title IX has brought to our Nation.
  Birch Bayh was an ardent supporter of women's rights during his years 
of service in the Senate. In addition to title IX, he also helped craft 
the Equal Rights Amendment, which has been ratified by 35 States, 
including my home State of Connecticut. I would like to thank Senator 
Bayh as well as the many others who helped make title IX a reality. In 
particular, I'd like to recognize my friend and colleague Senator Ted 
Stevens for his role as the lead Senate cosponsor, as well as the 
bill's sponsors in the House, the late Edith Green of Oregon and the 
late Patsy Mink of Hawaii.
  And last but certainly not least, I'd like to express my appreciation 
and admiration for the countless girls and women in America over the 
years who fought to open doors that for so long were closed to them--
from schools to offices to military bases to voting booths. The long 
journey towards gender equality is not yet complete. But achievements 
like title IX show that there has indeed been taken great and 
meaningful strides in the right direction.

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