Pelosi: 'Title IX Isn't Broken; Doesn't Need to be Fixed'

July 11, 2003
Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement this afternoon after the U.S. Department of Education released a letter sent to schools across the country stating that the Department will not make changes to Title IX, the landmark civil rights law that prohibits education and athletic programs that receive federal funding from discriminating on the basis of gender:

"I am pleased that, after a lengthy review, the Bush Administration has decided not to alter Title IX, which has been taking down the 'No Girls Allowed' signs from our school locker rooms, shop classes, and career counseling centers for more than 30 years.

"Today’s announcement by the Administration reflects what schools, universities, athletes and Democrats have been saying for months: Title IX isn’t broken, and it doesn’t need to be fixed.

"Instead of wasting time examining laws that work, I urge the Administration to find ways to strengthen Title IX and to fulfill its promise by making sure that all students have an equal playing field, not only for athletics but for all educational opportunities."

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