Pelosi Statement on 50th Anniversary of Title IX

Contact: Speaker's Press Office,

202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Title IX:

"For half a century, Title IX has transformed the meaning of equality and opportunity – in our classrooms, on the playing field and everywhere on campus. This historic achievement has provided a springboard for women to succeed in and out of the classroom: empowering so many to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors and engineers, heads of businesses and non-profits, and even pioneering public servants. Our nation is constantly strengthened by the fuller participation of women and girls, as they take their rightful place as leaders in our society.

"In honor of this momentous anniversary, today the Congress will proudly unveil a portrait of the godmother of Title IX and our beloved late colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink of Hawaii. With the help of her sheer force of will, Congresswoman Mink led the charge alongside Congresswoman Edith Green and Senator Birch Bayh to craft and enact this landmark legislation – advancing a brighter, fairer future for women and girls. It is fitting that her portrait will hang in these hallowed halls, so all who visit the Capitol may pay tribute to the first woman of color elected to Congress and a legendary champion of gender equality.

"As we celebrate five decades of Title IX, let us not forget that much work remains to level the playing field for women and girls. Led by a record number of women wielding the gavels, House Democrats remain hard at work to finally achieve pay equity for women, end campus sexual harassment, secure access to education and health care for all, and more. May we always fight to realize this fundamental truth: when women succeed, America succeeds!"

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