By Christiana Paradis (she/her), Director of Title IX Compliance
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” — Title IX Education Amendment of 1972
June 23 marked the 50th anniversary that those 37 words forever changed the landscape of education systems across the United States. Building upon the language and momentum of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, representatives Edith Green, Shirley Chisholm, the first Black U.S. congresswoman, and Patsy T. Mink, the first woman of color elected to Congress, collaborated on the authorship of Title IX, one of several education amendments passed in 1972.
Shortly after its passing, Susquehanna University moved quickly to comply when President Gustave Weber appointed a seven-member task force, the Committee to Review Compliance with Title IX, and charged it to audit athletics, instructional affairs, employment, personnel policies and student affairs.
Over the last 50 years this legislation has resulted in sweeping changes across the country from admissions standards to educational responses to sexual harassment. It has also expanded educational access, funding resources, and athletic opportunities for students of all genders.
Below are a few notable changes across the country, as well as here at Susquehanna:
Want to learn more about the legacy of Title IX and its impact on education and career opportunities? The Title IX Office is hosting a 50th Title IX Celebration Event on Deg Lawn September 27 from 11a.m.-1:30p.m. Stop by for snacks, giveaways, and interactive games to learn more about the history of Title IX.
You can also continue to follow this column biweekly as we continue to unpack a variety of topics pertaining to Title IX. If you would like to submit a question to be addressed in future columns, please submit it here (hyperlink: https://forms.office.com/r/uLwmb14Evm).
