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CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PREVENT DISCRIMINATION BASED ON GENDER

July 1, 2019

Legislation named for the late Louise Slaughter helps ensure gender equity in education

(Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle and Congresswoman Doris Matsiu (D-CA) announced legislation, named in honor of the late Louise Slaughter, to provide more resources, training, and technical assistance to address gender discrimination in education throughout the United States. The Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act (GEEA) would establish an Office for Gender Equity to support state and local educational institutions in fully implementing the provisions of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities.

"Louise Slaughter was a tireless champion for women's rights, so it is only fitting that this legislation is named in her honor," said Rep. Morelle. "Whether in the classroom or on the sports field, no student should ever be held back from pursuing their dreams. I am so proud to sponsor this legislation that carries on Louise's legacy of ensuring equal opportunity for every person who calls our country home.

"Patsy Mink and Louise Slaughter were forces of nature – dedicated to expanding opportunity and eradicating discrimination on the basis of sex in schools everywhere," Congresswoman Matsui said. "As strong supporters of Title IX, their work inspired generations of women to see themselves differently and achieve their dreams – inside the classroom or on the field of play. It is our duty to honor and support the legacy of Title IX and ensure that every child, regardless of gender, has the same opportunity to succeed. I am proud to support this legislation, which will provide schools with the resources needed to remove discrimination and ensure that all federally-supported institutions of learning are equal and just places for all."

The Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act further advances the provisions of Title IX by providing more resources to address discrimination in schools.

Specifically, the bill:

  • Establishes a new Office of Gender Equity at the Department of Education to coordinate Title IX activities within the Department of Education and throughout other federal agencies;
  • Provides competitive grants for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, states, school districts, and related organizations to improve Title IX compliance;
  • Provides Title IX coordinators with annual trainings and disseminates information about Title IX best practices nationwide; and
  • Combats discrimination, harassment, bias, and violence based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, and other medical conditions.

These measures will better protect students and ensure the anti-discriminatory provisions of Title IX are carried out effectively. The full text of the legislation is available here.

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