[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 16123-16127]
[From the U.S. 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

  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 406) celebrating the accomplishments of title IX of 
the Education Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink 
Equal Opportunity in Education Act, and recognizing the need to 
continue pursuing the goal of educational opportunities for women and 
girls.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 406

       Whereas 35 years ago, on June 23, 1972, the Education 
     Amendments of 1972 containing title IX was signed into law by 
     the President;
       Whereas Representatives Patsy T. Mink and Edith Green led 
     the successful fight in Congress to pass this legislation;
       Whereas title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of 
     sex in the administration of any education program receiving 
     Federal financial assistance;
       Whereas remarkable gains have been made to ensure equal 
     opportunity for women and girls under the inspiration and 
     mandate of title IX;
       Whereas title IX serves as the nondiscrimination principle 
     in education;
       Whereas title IX has moved this Nation closer to the 
     fulfillment of access and opportunities for women and girls 
     in all aspects of life;
       Whereas title IX has increased educational opportunities 
     for women and girls, resulting in improved graduation rates, 
     increased access to professional schools and nontraditional 
     fields of study, and improved employment opportunities;
       Whereas title IX has increased opportunities for women and 
     girls in sports, leading to greater access to competitive 
     sports, and building strong values such as teamwork, 
     leadership, discipline, work ethic, self-sacrifice, pride in 
     accomplishment, and strength of character;
       Whereas on October 29, 2002, title IX was named the ``Patsy 
     Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act'' in 
     recognition of Representative Mink's heroic, visionary, and 
     tireless leadership in developing and winning passage of 
     title IX; and
       Whereas 35 years of progress under title IX is widely 
     acknowledged, but because women continue to earn less for 
     work than men with the same educational background; sexual 
     harassment remains pervasive in schools and on college 
     campuses; women and girls face substantial barriers in 
     pursuing high-wage fields such as science, technology, 
     engineering, and math; and women and girls' sports teams do 
     not receive an equal share of resources, including fewer 
     recruiting and

[[Page 16124]]

     scholarship dollars at the college level; and athletic 
     participation opportunities still lag behind those provided 
     for men, there is still much work to be done if the promise 
     of title IX is to be fulfilled: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives celebrates--
       (1) the accomplishments of title IX of the Education 
     Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink 
     Equal Opportunity in Education Act, in increasing 
     opportunities for women and girls in all facets of education; 
     and
       (2) the magnificent accomplishments of women and girls in 
     sports.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Hawaii.


                             General Leave

  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Hawaii?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in strong support of the resolution.
  Thirty-five years ago, a college applicant could be denied admission 
simply because she was a woman. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 
1972 changed that. Led by the late Representative Patsy T. Mink, who 
had been denied admission to a medical school because of her sex, and 
Representative Edith Green, Congress established a principle we often 
take for granted today, the prohibition of sex discrimination in any 
federally funded educational program.
  Title IX requires that ``No person in the United States shall, on the 
basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits 
of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or 
activity receiving Federal assistance.''
  These 35 words over the last 35 years have had a profound impact, and 
the results are astounding. More women than ever now attend college, 
which means more women than ever go on to advanced degrees. In 1972 
only 9 percent of law degrees were earned by women. In the mid-1970s, 
when I attended law school, that number had improved. Women then had 
made up 15 percent of the graduating class. Today women earn almost 
half of all law degrees. The story is similar for medical degrees and 
Ph.D.s.
  This new generation of highly educated women has made a substantial 
impact on society. Expectations have changed. Girls expect to grow up 
and contribute to our country and the world in any way they want, as 
doctors, lawyers, CEOs, school principals, consultants, just to name a 
few careers previously underrepresented by women.
  Title IX also literally changed the face of athletic programs and 
colleges throughout the country. In fact, it is through athletics that 
title IX's impact has seeped into the public's consciousness. In 
athletics the change from 1972 to 2007 is astounding. Today, college 
athletic opportunities abound for young women. In the past three 
decades, title IX has led to a 450 percent increase in the rate of 
female participation in college sports and a more than 900 percent 
increase in participation at the high school level. And the recent 
surge in women's professional sports teams could not have happened 
without the dramatic increase in women playing college sports.
  The thousands of women athletes in basketball, volleyball, soccer, 
and other sports, where we can see them, root for them, and even play 
on the team with them, have had a huge impact. Young girls today take 
it for granted that they can play a sport and aspire to athletic 
scholarships to college. My own niece started playing volleyball in 
junior high, continued in high school, and is aiming for a volleyball 
scholarship to attend college. Women in my generation did not even 
consider this a possibility. Title IX opened the door to higher 
education for women in many ways, including through athletic 
scholarships.
  These successes, both academic and athletic, are worth celebrating, 
as are the women who came before us here on the House floor as leaders 
of the title IX movement. In 2002, after Representative Patsy T. Mink 
passed away, Chairman George Miller introduced a bill that named title 
IX the ``Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act.''
  This picture of Patsy hangs in my office. She was my friend and 
continues to be an inspiration to me. I am proud to represent the 
congressional district that Patsy represented for so long and so well. 
I know that if she were here today, she would remind us that our work 
is not done.
  There are many challenges still to be addressed. Women continue to 
face substantial barriers, especially in high-wage fields such as 
science, technology, engineering, and math. Women own less than 30 
percent of all U.S. firms. Women make up only a third of chief 
executive officers and less than 20 percent of engineers. Sexual 
harassment remains pervasive in schools and on college campuses. 
Women's and girls' sports teams still receive only 33 percent of 
recruiting dollars and 38 percent of athletic operating dollars.
  Title IX is as necessary today as it was in 1972.
  I am pleased that over 120 of my colleagues are cosponsors on this 
resolution, including Speaker Pelosi. I urge all of my colleagues to 
join me in celebrating title IX's successes and in recognizing the work 
still to be done in our march towards equal educational opportunities.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, Resolution 406 is a resolution honoring the 35th 
anniversary of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. I would 
like to recognize my colleague Ms. Hirono for introducing this 
resolution. The Education and Labor Committee will continue to 
celebrate the 35th anniversary of this law with a hearing tomorrow on 
this subject before the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong 
Learning and Competitiveness.
  President Nixon signed title IX into law on June 23, 1972. The 
purpose of title IX was to eliminate discrimination based on gender in 
the education arena. While title IX applies to all areas of education, 
it is possibly best known for its role in sports. Thanks to this law, 
and perhaps more significantly from the growing interest in sports in 
this country, we have seen a dramatic increase in female athletes.
  This law is far from perfect. Institutions continue to struggle with 
how to comply with title IX, trying to balance the participation rates 
of men with those of women. We do not want institutions to build up 
female participation at the expense of men's teams at the schools.
  As I stated earlier, title IX is best known for its effect on sports. 
However, title IX does apply to all areas of education. In a time when 
we are continually talking about the need to educate America's students 
in the area of math and science, it is important that we also recognize 
the increasing numbers of female students pursuing careers in math and 
science. In 2004 the General Accounting Office issued a report on the 
participation of women in science. The report found that women's 
participation in the sciences increased substantially over the past 30 
years. However, there is always more that can be done. As Congress 
looks to reform current programs, we should ensure that the programs 
being reformed are to encourage all students to enter into the 
sciences, math, and especially history.
  The committee has no stated opposition to this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Utah for his remarks in support of the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).

[[Page 16125]]


  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 406, in 
celebration of the accomplishments of title IX, the Patsy Takemoto Mink 
Equal Opportunity in Education Act. I would like to thank my friend and 
colleague from Hawaii, Ms. Mazie Hirono, for bringing this to the House 
floor this week as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of this landmark 
legislation.
  Title IX has forever changed the landscape of opportunity for women 
and girls. Since the enactment of title IX, the number of women 
participating in intercollegiate athletics has increased fivefold. The 
number of female high school athletes has grown by almost 900 percent. 
In 1972, just as title IX was enacted, women earned merely 28 percent 
of the bachelor's degrees in the fields of science, technology, 
engineering, and mathematics, better known as the STEM fields.

                              {time}  1500

  Today, women earn 49 percent of the bachelor's degrees in these 
fields.
  On a personal point of privilege, I am proud to say that my four 
daughters, who are considering STEM fields as their professional 
careers, are proud to see that we remember Patsy Mink.
  Despite these successes, we still have work to do to achieve the 
promises of full equality and freedom from discrimination that is at 
the heart of title IX. There are still gaps in support for women's 
athletics, gaps in participation in various disciplines in the STEM 
fields, and disparities in career and technical education programs. 
More critically, there is still much to be done to ensure that our 
educational institutions are free from sexual harassment.
  It was a privilege to have served on the Education Committee with 
Congresswoman Patsy Mink of Hawaii, the original author of title IX. I 
joined her on the Committee of Education and also on the House floor to 
defend title IX and its reauthorization, and I am pleased to say we 
won.
  It is up to us to honor her legacy and maintain the integrity of 
title IX, which simply states: ``No person in the United States shall, 
on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the 
benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education 
program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.''
  As the father of four daughters, I reaffirm my commitment to title IX 
and the legacy of Patsy Mink today with this vote. I urge all my 
colleagues to support this resolution, H. Res. 406.
  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my freshman colleague from 
Hawaii for bringing this particular resolution. It is appropriate that 
she honors her predecessor, Congresswoman Mink, who did so much in this 
Hall. In passing this bill, she did some of the things that were 
similar to civil rights laws of the 1960s in a continuum, because 
discrimination, whether it be race or gender or national origin or 
sexual orientation, is wrong.
  There are barriers this country needs to tear down and present a 
level playing field and an opportunity for all to enjoy the benefits of 
America. It is what Dr. King did talk about when he looked forward to 
getting to the Promised Land. That's part of what the Promised Land 
was, is, and will be. And so I thank the gentlelady for bringing the 
resolution.
  I am going to take an opportunity here to make a mea culpa. Earlier, 
when I had to address the House on Stax Records, I forgot a few people. 
And one of the people I forgot was a women, Carla Thomas, who did ``Gee 
Whiz,'' and her father, Rufus Thomas, who did ``Walking the Dog.'' In 
music, many of the Stax Record people were men, they were the Staple 
Singers, but Carla Thomas was a great singer. And there are so many 
fields that have been opened up.
  When I looked at the statistics that were made available to me, 
before title IX only 9 percent of the graduates from medical school 
were women. In 2004, there were 46 percent. In law, 7 percent had J.D. 
degrees for women, now 49 percent. When you think about those numbers, 
and that was just 35 years ago, Mr. Speaker, it's amazing how far we've 
come from the discrimination that existed at that time because of 
gender and what Representative Mink and the United States Congress' 
work did. It shows what can be positive and good about government.
  There is a lot of good things that government can do and does do, and 
people forget that. If it weren't for civil rights pioneers, there 
would still be segregation. If it weren't for the work of the Congress 
in the middle 1960s, there would still be discrimination possibly in 
housing and public employment and other public facilities. And if it 
weren't for Congresswoman Mink, there would be discrimination against 
women. There is much good that comes. Forces within society help, but 
they propel people in government to act and take action that this 
Congress has seen has made America a greater place.
  So it is my honor to stand and support the passage of this resolution 
that celebrates the 35th anniversary of title IX. It tells us just how 
far we've come in 35 years, but how just 35 years ago there were these 
limits. And the fact is, it was only 87 years ago that women got the 
right to vote. Mr. Speaker, 87 years ago women could not vote in this 
country, but this Congress, through a passage of a constitutional 
amendment, passed eventually by Tennessee as the perfect 36th State, 
gave women the right to vote in this country. So we've come a long way, 
but we've got a long way to go. And it is an honor to participate in 
this 35th anniversary.
  I thank the gentlelady for giving me the time.
  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity of 
sharing this time with the gentlelady from Hawaii on this particular 
bill that was sponsored by the gentlelady from California (Ms. Matsui).
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back the balance of my time, 
I would just like to clarify that I am the original sponsor of this 
measure.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, today I join with my colleagues to celebrate 
the 35th anniversary of title IX of the Higher Education Act, which 
assured a woman's right to educational equality. And I thank 
Congresswoman Hirono for bringing this resolution to the floor and for 
her leadership on this issue.
  By ending gender discrimination in all education programs, title IX 
has given women the chance to excel and to take their rightful place as 
leaders and achievers on campuses across the United States. No longer 
would young women find their educational options limited by years of 
engrained discrimination. Thanks to title IX, women can now prepare for 
their future--whether in the halls of power or corporate boardrooms--in 
the classrooms and on the playing fields of America's colleges and 
universities.
  Today also gives us the opportunity to honor our former colleague, 
friend, and champion for women's equality--Congresswoman Patsy Mink. As 
a member of the Education Committee in 1972, Congresswoman Mink helped 
craft title IX, and engineer its passage.
  The day that the title IX legislation came to the floor, 
Congresswoman Mink was called away on a family emergency. She knew it 
would be a close vote. And she was right. That time, the bill was 
defeated by only a single vote. But Patsy fought on. Through sheer 
force of will, Congresswoman Mink forced another vote, an uncommon 
occurrence made possible by a woman of uncommon strength. And that 
time, women won. Congress passed title IX.
  For her determination, the women of America will always owe a debt of 
gratitude to Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
  As a mother and a grandmother, I have seen firsthand the results of 
title IX. Some are more visible, like the growing number of girls on 
soccer fields and basketball courts, the women of the WNBA, or the 
famous victory of Mia Hamm and Team USA in the World Cup.
  Equally important, though less tangible, is the message that title IX 
sends to women and girls: Your education is crucial and your future is 
limitless.
  Young women today believe that they can do anything. And they can.
  For our children, we must continue to support this belief by 
fulfilling and sustaining the promise of title IX.
  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. 
Res. 406, celebrating the accomplishments of title IX of the

[[Page 16126]]

Education Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink 
Equal Opportunity in Education Act, and recognizing the need to 
continue pursuing the goal of educational opportunities for women and 
girls.
  Title IX changed the way the United States educates its women and 
girls. It states that, ``No person in the United States, shall, on the 
basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits 
of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or 
activity receiving Federal financial assistance.'' This monumental 
legislation has had far-reaching effects on the women in this country. 
Title IX may be best known for its changes in athletics, but the 
academic world has been significantly changed as well. Since 1981, 
women have received more bachelor's degrees than men, and since 1986, 
women have received more master's degrees than men. None of this would 
have been possible without the hard work of Patsy Mink and Edith Green. 
Generations of women have and will benefit from the work of these 
women.
  I had the honor of serving with Patsy Mink for 12 years, representing 
the State of Hawaii in the U.S. House of Representatives. She strove to 
ensure equality and fairness for all Americans. Through her work on 
title IX, she was able to accomplish just that for every American 
woman. The renaming of title IX to the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal 
Opportunity in Education Act honors her work and reminds us all of her 
dedication to equality.
  We should take this time to reflect on where we have come from and 
the progress we have made. Millions of women have access to the 
education to make their dreams come true, and that access was 
guaranteed 35 years ago by a woman who believed that we should all be 
able to better our lives.
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 406, a 
resolution celebrating the accomplishments of Title IX. I would like to 
thank Congresswoman Hirono for introducing this legislation addressing 
what is an important issue for women's equality.
  Title IX requires that schools and colleges receiving Federal funds 
provide female students with athletic opportunities comparable to those 
of male students.
  But as critical as this is, we must all begin to realize that Title 
IX is about more than civil rights.
  For many young athletes, the scholarship opportunities afforded by 
Title IX might be the only way they can go to college. What is more, 
female athletes tend to graduate at higher rates, perform better in 
school, are less likely to use drugs and smoke, and have a more 
positive body image, more confidence, and better self-esteem than non-
athletes.
  As a direct result of Title IX, women's participation in 
intercollegiate sports has skyrocketed, proving that interest follows 
opportunity. In 1972, about 30,000 women played college sports. Today, 
that number has increased by more than 450 percent. Similarly, in 1972, 
about 200,000 girls participated in high school athletics. Today, that 
number has increased by more than 900 percent.
  It would be wrong of me to speak about Title IX without taking time 
to honor my dear friend and beloved colleague, Patsy Mink. In 1972, 
Patsy helped to enact Title IX and in honor of her valiant work, 
Congress renamed Title IX the ``Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity 
in Education Act.'' She struggled for 30 years to protect educational 
equity for men and women, and if she were with us today, I am certain 
that she would be proud of our continued fight to promote equality for 
all young women around the country.
  While we celebrate how far we have come, we must also recognize that 
we still have a way to go. Women remain underrepresented in school 
sports, with men receiving 1.3 million more high school athletic 
opportunities and $148 million more athletic scholarship money each 
year.

  In the face of such realities, I am proud to join my colleagues to 
support this resolution, a statement of our determination to recommit 
ourselves to the causes of education, opportunity, and equality in our 
society.
  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 
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.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. 
Res. 406, introduced by our new colleague from Hawaii, Mazie Hirono. 
Following in the long tradition of her fellow Hawaiian, our beloved 
Congresswoman Patsy Mink, Rep. Hirono has introduced this important 
resolution which celebrates the 35th anniversary and accomplishments of 
Title IX of the Higher Education Act.
  Title IX constituted a landmark civil rights victory for equal 
opportunity. It has created an even playing field for women to obtain 
crucial scholarships to help defray the rapidly escalating costs of a 
college education, facilitating the steady rise in the number of female 
doctors, attorneys, professors and corporate executives who help keep 
the American economy humming. Title IX has also signaled a sea change 
in women's athletics, with girls' participation in high school sports 
skyrocketing by 800 percent and in college by 400 percent since its 
passage. Because of Title IX, our daughters are healthier, have higher 
grades, lower pregnancy rates, are less likely to use drugs and are 
more likely to graduate from college.
  Though Title IX has been a huge success, the battle for equality is 
not yet won. In 2002, women made up 54 percent of college students, but 
they only comprised 43 percent of college athletes. Meanwhile, men 
received 36 percent more athletic scholarships than women. Women also 
receive only 20 percent of computer science and engineering-related 
technology bachelor's degrees and only 39 percent of all full 
professors at colleges and universities are women.
  Girls and women have benefitted immeasurably from this critical 
legislation. Now is the time to praise and protect Title IX, not 
curtail it. I thank Congresswoman Hirono for recognizing this important 
anniversary and call on my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, this week, we 
celebrate the 35th anniversary of the signing of title IX into law. 
Title IX was enacted on June 23, 1972, and it marked a major milestone 
for American women.
  Title IX is a deceptively simple piece of legislation, requiring that 
``no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be 
excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be 
subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity 
receiving Federal financial assistance.'' Who knew that one 
unpretentious sentence could accomplish so much? But title IX has 
provided the framework for an America that finally guaranteed a truly 
equal education for men and women.
  The positive effects of this legislation are evident. Women now have 
the opportunity to participate in any sport they desire. Before title 
IX, two-time Olympic gold medalist Donna de Varona was effectively 
forced to retire from amateur swimming at the age of 17 because

[[Page 16127]]

no American colleges were offering women scholarships in swimming or 
most other competitive sports. But today, just a generation later, NCAA 
women's sports and professional female sports leagues such as the WNBA 
are thriving and giving women everywhere chances to be superstars that 
they've never had before.
  But I think the most telling effect of title IX is the fact that 
today, more women than men are attending college. Equal education for 
women was rare before 1972, when many law and medical schools allowed a 
maximum of 15 women in per year, and when women were often shut out of 
classes such as criminal justice and auto mechanics. Today, well over 
half of all undergraduate college students are women--and women 
outnumber men in graduate school enrollment, including high-paying, 
high-powered professional programs like law.
  Title IX was all about opportunities. Title IX gave women new chances 
that they had never had before, and today, it is easy to see that women 
around the country are taking full advantage of them. While you might 
be able to name only a few famous women making news at the turn of the 
20th century, it wouldn't take you more than a minute to name dozens--
maybe even hundreds--of female news makers at the turn of the 21st 
century. It's amazing how many outstanding women have carved out 
careers in journalism, science, law, politics, sports, and the arts--
and disheartening to imagine the amazing women of the past who were 
never given the chance. I am excited to see what today's little girls 
will do with the opportunities title IX will provide to them.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this 
resolution honoring Title IX and the woman who played a key role in its 
passage, Congresswoman Patsy Mink. I was privileged to serve with Patsy 
on the Education and Labor Committee from the time I started serving in 
1993. She took me under her wing and was a true mentor to me, inspiring 
me with her example.
  There has been no stronger voice in Congress for girls, women, and 
minorities than Patsy's. Her work here has touched countless women's 
lives. Women today don't have to face the barriers and discrimination 
that Patsy faced when applying to graduate school.
  Her firsthand experience with gender discrimination--being denied 
admission to medical school as a promising young science student--did 
not discourage her or break her spirit, but sparked her desire for 
change.
  Most importantly, when she overcame gender and racial barriers to 
climb the ladder of success, she did not kick that ladder aside for 
other women; instead, she led the way and supported their upward rise, 
most importantly, paving the way with legislation such as Title IX. She 
never gave up the struggle to give every child access to a quality 
education.
  Her memory continues to be an inspiration for me on the Education and 
Labor committee and in the legislation that I introduce and cosponsor. 
This Congress, I will again introduce legislation to start a Patsy Mink 
fellowship program to help more women and minorities earn graduate 
degrees and become college professors.
  A lot more work remains to be done to give women more educational 
opportunities: women are still underrepresented in math, science, and 
engineering-related fields.
  Thanks in large part to Patsy's work, a majority of people agree that 
women should be allowed to apply to college and graduate programs 
without facing discriminatory admissions policies, sexual harassment in 
schools when they do get in, or even a lack of athletic opportunities. 
We are well served by Patsy's legacy, a true guiding star.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 406 and the far reaching achievements of Title IX of the Education 
Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal 
Opportunity in Education Act. There is no question that women in this 
country have come a long way in the past 35 years, and there is little 
doubt that much of that progress is a result of title IX.
  Prior to the passage of title IX, it was commonplace for colleges and 
universities to refuse admission to women simply on the basis of their 
gender. Of the handful of female college professors, most taught at 
all-female colleges, received salaries lower than their male 
counterparts, and very few were ever awarded tenure. Back then, schools 
could deny women training in fields deemed ``inappropriate'' such as 
woodworking or automotive repair, and girls ere discouraged from 
studying math and science. Only 1 in 27 girls played high school 
sports, and female college athletes received only 2 percent of overall 
athletic budgets.
  This landmark legislation, passed in 1972, prohibits gender-based 
discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities. 
Its effects have been felt far beyond the classroom and athletic field.
  Today, women earn undergraduate and graduate degrees at much higher 
rates, even comprising a majority of undergraduate and graduate school 
enrollment. Women can no longer be denied access to the vocational 
courses of their choice, and girls now take upper-level math and 
science classes at the same rate as boys. Additionally, female 
participation in intercollegiate athletics has increased by 400 percent 
over the past 30 years. In high school athletics, female participation 
has increased by 800 percent.
  Title IX's passage has allowed girls and women to see no boundaries 
to their potential. Today, they can look around and see female doctors, 
lawyers, astronauts, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, Nobel laureates and 
NASCAR drivers. They even have a female Speaker of this House to serve 
as their role model. Title IX has led to the advancement of women in 
countless areas of our society. However, the work of title IX is not 
yet complete.
  Still today, women, on average, earn only 75 cents for every $1 a man 
earns. Even more, women continue to lag behind men in earning doctoral 
and professional degrees. In academia, women earn less, hold lower 
ranking positions and are less likely to be awarded tenure than men. 
Despite comprising over 50 percent of the student population, women 
make up only 42 percent of high school and college varsity athletes, 
and male athletes receive $137 million more than female athletes in 
college athletic scholarships. That does not even take into account the 
barriers that title IX does not address. Negative stereotypes, subtle 
discrimination, and workplace practices that indirectly adversely 
affect women are still pervasive in our society.
  Mr. Speaker, even in this great body, which is supposed to be 
representative of the American people, only 17 percent of our Members 
are female. Therefore, while we celebrate title IX's accomplishments 
over the last 35 years, it is necessary to remember that the struggle 
for gender equity continues.
  I proudly commend Congresswoman Hirono for introducing this 
resolution which celebrates the far reaching accomplishments of title 
IX. I look forward to the day that all Americans are able to achieve 
their promise regardless of their gender.
  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, title IX of the Education Amendments of 
1972 changed everything about our college admissions process. Led by 
the late Representatives Patsy T. Mink and Edith Green, Congress 
established a principle we often take for granted today--the 
prohibition of gender discrimination in any federally funded 
educational program. The effects of the law have been substantial.
  In 1972, only 42 percent of Bachelors of Arts degrees were earned by 
women; by 2004 that number rose to 57 percent. Only 9 percent of 
medical degrees were awarded to women; now it's above 45 percent. Not 
surprisingly, law degrees were the most imbalanced. In 1972, only 7 
percent of law degrees were held by women and by 2004 almost 50 percent 
went to women. Only 15 percent of PhD's went to women before title IX 
and that number is now close to 50 percent.
  This progress is worth celebrating but we have plenty more to do. 
Title IX has as much utility now as it did in 1972. Women continue to 
face substantial barriers, especially in high wage fields such as 
science, technology, engineering and math. Sexual harassment remains 
pervasive in schools and on college campuses. Women and girls' sports 
teams still do not receive an equal share of resources.
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the remainder of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 406.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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