AJR 23, Bonilla. Title IX: 43rd anniversary.
This measure would, on June 23, 2015, commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the enactment of Title IX, and would urge Californians to continue to work together to achieve the goals set by Title IX, as specified.
WHEREAS, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that specifically states that 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; and
WHEREAS, All public and private elementary schools and secondary schools, school districts, colleges, and universities receiving any federal funding must comply with Title IX; and
WHEREAS, Title IX requires equal access in recruitment, admissions, counseling, financial assistance, discipline, employment, and athletics; protection from sex-based harassment; and equitable treatment of pregnant and parenting students; and
WHEREAS, Prior to the enactment of Title IX, many women and girls faced discrimination and limited opportunities in athletics, academics, and extracurricular activities; and
WHEREAS, Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment or sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion; and
WHEREAS, Title IX has been used as a basis in a number of complaints alleging sexual violence on college campuses, as sexual violence interferes with a student’s right to receive education free from discrimination; and
WHEREAS, Of the 109 colleges and universities under investigation by the United States Department of Education for their handling of sexual violence cases, 11 are located in California; and
WHEREAS, Title IX, which governs educational equity generally, is widely known for ensuring equal access to women and girl athletes; and
WHEREAS, The members of the United States Women’s National Soccer Team, which is ranked #2 in the world and continues to make our nation proud, all played collegiate level soccer; and
WHEREAS, Title IX regulations require that pregnant and parenting students have equal access to schools and activities, and that all separate programs for pregnant or parenting students be completely voluntary; and
WHEREAS, Title IX has been the basis for California laws that protect graduate students from discrimination on the basis of pregnancy in research projects in California universities, laws requiring affirmative consent, and current legislation requiring lactation accommodations in California schools; and
WHEREAS, The educational equity guaranteed in Title IX does not solely apply to women. It protects everyone from sex-based discrimination, regardless of real or perceived sex, gender identity, or gender expression; and
WHEREAS, Although Title IX has increased opportunities for girls and women in academics, sports, and other educational activities, it has not yet achieved the goal of full equality; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly and the Senate of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature urges Californians to continue to work together to achieve the goals set by Title IX of increased opportunities for girls and women in academics, sports, and other educational activities; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature of the State of California, on June 23, 2015, commemorates the 43rd anniversary of Title IX, and commends the national movement toward increased equality and fair treatment of all students; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States.
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