[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 86 (Friday, June 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMEMORATING THE 33RD ANNIVERSARY OF TITLE IX

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                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2005

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate an 
extremely important anniversary.
  Thirty-three years ago today, Title IX, the landmark legislation 
banning gender discrimination in federally funded education programs, 
was enacted into law.
  I adamantly oppose restrictions to Title IX. Recent 
``clarifications'' to the law will only lead to allowing schools to 
avoid providing equal opportunities to female students.
  For women, especially young women, Title IX is one of the most 
important pieces of legislation in the past half century.
  Title IX helps those who need help the most, particularly in low-
income areas.
  Girls who participate in athletics at the high school and college 
levels are more likely to graduate with higher grades than their peers 
who do not play sports. The health benefits of exercise are well 
documented and girls who play sports often take their appreciation of 
exercise and activity into their adulthood.
  Team sports prepare girls for success in the workplace by teaching 
the benefits of teamwork and tenacity at a young and receptive age. 
Athletics imbue girls with self-confidence they may not be able to 
develop elsewhere.
  We must not interfere with Title IX's effectiveness. That is why I 
oppose the recent clarification and advocate for increased equality in 
sports for female students.




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