    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 25 (Monday, June 28, 1999)]
    [Pages 1173-1174]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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

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    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).