Womenstake, NWLC's Blog

by Rachel Rebouche, Fellow
National Women’s Law Center

This morning, President Bush hosted an event at the White House with pending nominees, including judicial nominees. His message was that the Senate has failed in its job to confirm these nominees.

by the Education Team
National Women’s Law Center

Today is National Girls and Women in Sports Day — a time to celebrate female athletes and to demonstrate our support for Title IX, the federal law that requires schools to provide equal opportunities for girls in the classroom and on the playing field. Staff members here at the National Women’s Law Center considered the influence Title IX has had on our own lives.

I was supposed to be a boy. At least that’s what the ultrasound technician told my parents. Although there were a few adjustments (I was not named “Thomas” after my father, or even “Thomasina” as he requested), my parents often laughed when people expressed their sympathy that my poor, former-football-playing father was stuck with three girls and no sons. Who would play sports? they’d ask. Well, thanks to Title IX ... all of us. I may not have played football, and I’m no Serena, but I still play tennis competitively and occasionally take on (and beat) my husband, who did play football. Not too shabby. — Fatima

I was 5’9” when I was eleven. What are you supposed to do? So I played center for my middle school’s basketball team. I wasn’t good, but I was still voted co-captain of the team. But that was only the beginning. I continued with soccer, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, and track. It built my confidence and leadership skills and helped me stay out of shenanigans. It also helped me stay focused on school and learn to prioritize. Without Title IX and the advances women’s sports have made, my options might’ve been very limited. And everyone knows I would’ve made a really bad cheerleader. — Melanie

I went to school before Title IX, but I have two daughters who played sports in high school and college, and I have seen what a tremendous difference it has made in their lives. We have to keep working to make sure that girls’ and women’s opportunities to play continue to increase, and that female athletes are not treated like second-class citizens. — Dina

The power of education to lift people up and transform their lives is something I have seen in my own family, and it continues to guide me personally and professionally. My parents came here from India looking for a better life, and their educational foundation allowed them to provide me with opportunities of which they might only have dreamed. That they valued education so strongly is no coincidence — in India, there is a goddess of education, Saraswati, and everything associated with education (books, teachers, etc.) is to be accorded the utmost respect. These personal and cultural influences have fueled my desire to fight for equal educational opportunities for all, and Title IX is a critical tool in that fight. — Neena

I was one of the kids in school who took every opportunity. I played two sports — basketball and volleyball — and was extremely active in clubs and organizations. I think it was my years playing sports, five in all, that had the most impact on who I am today. I was co-captain of my J.V. team and that same year I received the M.V.P. award. I chose to play sports, but the choice was easy and available at my school. Now, at 24, I remember fondly all our team chants and the rhetoric of my coaches and can honestly say that I got my first lessons in perseverance from playing sports. I didn’t learn about Title IX until I was in college taking a Sociology of Sports course, but I definitely reaped the benefits ... short- and long-term. There are so many advantages for students under Title IX, and it’s still important today that we increase the opportunities for females to play sports in school. — Princess

by Helen Blank, Director of Leadership and Public Policy
National Women's Law Center

An increasing number of governors and state legislators around the country, recognizing the importance of the early years to children’s development and their futures, are supporting new investments in early childhood programs. Yet, with the budget proposal he has released today, it is clear that the President is refusing to join with these state leaders.