[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
[June 23, 1999]
[Page 997]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the 27th Anniversary of Title IX of the Education 
Amendments of 1972
June 23, 1999

    On this 27th anniversary of the enactment of Title IX of the 
Education Amendments of 1972, we celebrate what can be accomplished when 
we allow all Americans--men and women--equal opportunity to be their 
best. By opening doors previously closed, Title IX provides women and 
girls with quality opportunities for achievement in education--in 
academics as well as athletics.
    Today we reflect on the profound changes this legislation has helped 
bring about in American education, including changing expectations of 
women's achievements, lowering the dropout rate for women, and 
increasing opportunities in math and science. Since 1971, dramatically 
greater numbers of women have completed postsecondary, graduate, and 
professional degrees. Employment opportunities in many nontraditional 
professions for women have also opened up. The U.S. athletes in the 
Women's World Cup, currently being watched by millions of fans across 
the country, are shining examples of the value of increased 
participation in athletics by women.
    While we have come a long way, there is still further progress to be 
made in undoing barriers to equal opportunity for women. We must 
continue to work to close the pay gap and ensure equal pay, enable men 
and women to meet their responsibilities at work and home, and end 
discrimination in the workplace. Too many women are paid less than men, 
and too many still experience discrimination in the workplace.
    As we move forward towards the eradication of discrimination based 
on gender, we celebrate Title IX and our Nation's commitment to 
equality.

Note: The statement referred to Title IX--Prohibition of Sex 
Discrimination, part of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Public Law 92-
318).