Zoe Lofgren: “title IX was passed by the U.S. Congress on June 23, 1972, and signed by President Nixon on July 1, 1972. This important…”

“title IX was passed by the U.S. Congress on June 23, 1972, and signed by President Nixon on July 1, 1972. This important civil rights law prohibits discrimination in education programs and activities receiving Federal funds. And as we pause to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this landmark legislation, we can easily see how the law has allowed women and girls increased opportunity to participate in athletics. What I think has been overlooked by some is how this law has also spurred great improvements for women in the areas of access to higher education, job training, career opportunities, and math and science skills. America has focused more attention on the issues of sexual harassment and created better learning environments for women because of title IX. I remember before the passage of title IX, schools and universities often had separate entrances for male and female students. Women seeking admission to many colleges and universities were forced to have both higher test scores and better grades than their male counterparts just to get in because there were limits on how many women were allowed, and the chances of women being admitted to medical school or law school were slim because in many cases the female students were limited to less than 15. Those who were lucky enough to get into college found themselves with curfews. I remember mine was 10 p.m., one had to be into the dorm by 10 p.m.…”