[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 105 (Friday, June 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. BERNICE ``BUNNY'' SANDLER

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                        HON. BRENDA L. LAWRENCE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 21, 2019

  Mrs. LAWRENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable 
life of Doctor Bernice ``Bunny'' Sandler, on the 47th anniversary of 
Title IX. Dr. Sandler was an activist and champion of women's equality 
in higher education, which earned her the nickname ``Godmother of Title 
IX.'' She passed away in January of this year at the age of ninety.
  After being passed over for a job in 1969 at the University of 
Maryland, Dr. Sandler realized that she must act on the discrimination 
she experienced. During this time in history, academic departments 
refused to hire women in non-entry level positions and many graduate 
programs denied admission to women, but Sandler refused to take no for 
an answer. She researched the strategies of black civil rights 
activists and applied them to women's rights in academia.
  After discovering a presidential executive order barring federal 
contractors from discriminating based on race, color, religion, and 
national origin, Sandler contacted the U.S. Department of Labor's 
Office of Federal Contract Compliance, where she planned the first 
complaint against universities and colleges on discrimination.
  Sandler helped the Women's Equity Action League start a national 
campaign to file complaints against widespread sex discrimination at 
universities. She formed alliances with Members of Congress, including 
Representative Martha Griffiths of my home state of Michigan, who gave 
the first speech in Congress about discrimination against women in 
education.
  Sandler went on to become a Congressional staffer, leading the 
hearings on women's education and employment which led to Title IX of 
the Educational Amendments of 1972. After the passage of Title IX 
Sandler continued her fight for gender equity, delivering thousands of 
speeches and providing consultation for schools who sought to integrate 
women.
  As we celebrate the 47th anniversary of Title IX, we must celebrate 
Doctor Bernice ``Bunny'' Sandler for all the hard work she put into 
making it possible.

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