[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1349-E1350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 18, 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

[[Page E1350]]

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.

                          ____________________