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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
June 23, 1999
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
On this 27th anniversary of the enactment of Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, we celebrate what can be accomplished when we allow all
Americans – men and women - equal opportunity to be their best. By opening
doors previously closed, Title IX provides women and girls with quality
opportunities for achievement in education – in academics as well as
athletics.
Today we reflect on the profound changes this legislation has helped
bring about in American education, including: changing expectations of
women's achievements; lowering the dropout rate for women; and increasing
opportunities in math and science. Since 1971, dramatically greater numbers of
women have completed postsecondary, graduate, and professional degrees.
Employment opportunities in many non-traditional professions for women have
also opened up. The U.S. athletes in the Women's World Cup, currently
being watched by millions of fans across the country, are shining examples of
the value of increased participation in athletics by women.
While we have come a long way, there is still further progress to be
made in undoing barriers to equal opportunity for women. We must continue to
work to close the pay gap and ensure equal pay, enable men and women to meet
their responsibilities at work and at home, and end discrimination in the
workplace. Too many women are paid less than men, and too many still experience
discrimination in the workplace.
As we move forward towards the eradication of discrimination based on
gender, we celebrate Title IX and our nation's commitment to equality.
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