Title IX Lessons from my Sisters

As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Title IX Amendments of 1972, I am reminded of lessons my sisters emphasized regarding the general idea of fairness. As a youngster, I was never aware that it took the passage of Title IX to usher in requirements that opened the doors for women not just in sports, but in higher education.

I grew up with six sisters and it never dawned on me that such legislation was necessary. My sisters were constant reminders about fairness and fair play especially when it involved household chore assignments. Looking back, my sisters’ intentions never pointed out differences based on our sex. No, it was always about fairness in the chores assigned by our parents. In particular, “If I can wash dishes and do laundry, we all should be treated fairly.” As you may imagine, I hated chores, especially cleaning dishes and washing household laundry.

Title IX remains important legislation today because Title IX reminds us about the fundamental belief that everyone should be treated fairly regardless of their sex. Our individual sex should never be a consideration when opportunities are given, work is assigned and/or performed, or when facilities and equipment are utilized. The attention must be on individuals performing the same tasks regardless of their sex.

The 50th Anniversary should keep us committed to the work that remains necessary. Even though we still encounter challenges with Title IX and the work ahead, I am encouraged about the future. When I read about the phenomenal success of women in sports, academia, and employment I hear my sisters say, “If I can wash dishes and do laundry, we should all be treated fairly.” My sisters’ statement keeps me optimistic about the future for Title IX and the expectation that my granddaughter, great-nieces and nephews will be viewed not based on their sex, but on the similarities with the work and activity, they perform.

Finally, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, I would like to especially thank my sisters. Before I knew anything about Title IX, my sisters were a steady reminder about fairness not based on one’s sex, but the simple view that we all should be treated fairly, especially when it involved household chores.