SENATOR HIRONO CELEBRATES THE 42ND ANNIVERSARY OF TITLE IX
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement commemorating the 42nd anniversary of the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, commonly known as Title IX. This landmark federal law requires gender equity in federally-supported education programs and athletics:
“When Title IX – the legacy of my friend Patsy Takemoto Mink – was signed into law 42 years ago, it opened a new realm of possibilities for women and girls. Suddenly, women were able compete, not only in sports, but also throughout the entire education system. Since Title IX became law in 1972, the percentage of women who have enrolled in college immediately following high school has risen by almost 25 percent. Additionally, women now make up the majority of students enrolled in both undergraduate and first-professional degree programs.
"In athletics, the number of intercollegiate female student athletes has increased by more than 40 percent. While it is clear that Title IX has improved gender equality in many ways, we still have more to do. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to help ensure that woman and girls throughout the nation are able to fulfill their dreams and compete with their male counterparts on equal footing."
