Jill Tokuda: “I am definitely out of breath. I ran here from my other hearing because this was just such an important hour that we…”

“I am definitely out of breath. I ran here from my other hearing because this was just such an important hour that we participate in. Patsy Takemoto Mink is the mother of Title IX. She had a vision and a dream for her daughter and for all of our children, to live a life free from the kind of discrimination she suffered as a woman of color. Her groundbreaking advocacy and reforms have since paved the way to allow all of our children to fully participate and engage in their education, in sports, and in all other forms of learning as their true, authentic selves. Removing discrimination and inequity on the basis of sex was personal for Congresswoman Mink. Throughout her pursuit of higher education, she faced racial discrimination, segregation, and limited opportunities simply because she was a woman. Many of us serving here in Congress on both sides of the aisle are here because of Patsy's perseverance and courage, and I am humbled to serve in the seat that she held with such grit and such grace. Like Patsy, I see every action or inaction we take here in Congress through the lens of a mother. While we cowardly delay action on gun legislation, I leave home each week terrified that one day an active shooter drill at my sons' school might not be a drill at all.…”