Readout: US Department of Labor webinar discusses gender-based discrimination, violence, harassment; barriers to women’s fair rights, equal opportunities

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor marked the 50th anniversary of the enactment of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 with a roundtable discussion at its “Celebrating Title IX” webinar hosted by the department’s Women’s Bureau.

On June 23, 1972, Congress banned sex-based discrimination against women and girls in federally funded schools, education programs and activities. The legislation removed barriers for women and narrowed gender gaps in sports. Title IX also expanded opportunities for women in science, technology and other professions.

“Title IX has important implications in ending discriminatory sexist policies,” said Women’s Bureau Director Wendy Chun-Hoon, the panel’s moderator. “Today’s celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Title IX allows us to reflect on the advancements that have been made in women’s education, athletics and STEM professions while also protecting women from gender-based harassment and acknowledging the continued struggles to make good on all the promises of Title IX.”

The event included participants from the Departments of Labor and Education, the National Women’s Law Center, the Advocacy at Women’s Sports Foundation and Know Your IX. Panelists discussed the need to protect women at educational institutions from gender-based discrimination, violence and harassment. They also focused on milestones towards women’s equity, and barriers that remain to keep women – especially women of color – from the benefits of fair rights and equal opportunities.