CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF TITLE IX -- (Extensions of Remarks -
June 21, 2002)
[Page: E1126]
---
SPEECH OF
HON. DAVID E. BONIOR
OF MICHIGAN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
- Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th anniversary of
the enactment of Title IX. Prior to the enactment of Title IX, educational and
career opportunities were extremely limited for women. In 1971, less than
300,000 girls participated in high school sports compared to 3.6 million male
athletes the same year. Today, this number has risen to over 2.4 million
female athletes. Women have continued to demonstrate that, when given the
opportunity, they, too, are fully qualified to be successful participants in
athletics and education.
- In the past 30 years, women have gained numerous other advantages from the
passage of this historic legislation. Scholarships provided to women in
increased numbers since passage of Title IX have opened doors that were
otherwise closed to women. In 1971, only 18% of women finished four years of
college; today more female students than male successfully complete a
four-year college education and go on to obtain a Master's degree. It is
because of historic Title IX, which prohibits gender discrimination in
federally funded schools, that women have been able to overcome these
barriers.
- While much has been accomplished since the enactment of this legislation,
much still remains to be done. We need to be vigilant in our enforcement of
Title IX and provide the funding needed to help our schools fully comply with
the law. We need to fight for the passage of legislation that will ensure
equality for women once they enter the workforce. Although today the majority
of students are women, as is the majority of the U.S. population, women face
continued inequalities in the workplace. In my home state of Michigan where
pay inequity is at its worst, women make just 67 cents for every dollar men
earn. This is inexcusable, and it has to stop. We should view Title IX not as
a completed effort, but as a first step in ensuring equality for women.
- With the passage of Title IX, our Nation declared that it is in our best
interest to allow all men and women an equal chance to excel in any field or
activity to which they commit themselves. It was pledged that all individuals
should be given the same opportunities to realize their potential throughout
their education and professional lives. We need to work harder to ensure that
no American suffers discrimination on the basis of gender. We cannot rest
until all women, all Americans, receive the opportunities they deserve. In my
26 years in Congress, I have committed myself to working toward the ideals of
justice and equality for women, and I will continue to make this effort among
my top priorities.
END