Title IX is 37 today (well unless you count from when the regulations went into effect as opposed to Title IX's passage-what can I say, I'm a total geek).

The language of Title IX is simple "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." ; the ramifications huge.

So let me take you down memory lane to a pre Title IX time.

Cooking vs building--: In middle school I had to take Home Economics and could not take Shop. It didn't matter what I wanted to do or learn (cooking-other than chocolate chip cookies- not an interest; how things worked a total interest-- too bad). I was a girl (well I still am) and therefore I was REQUIRED to take Home Ec and FORBIDDEN to take shop.

Athletics-- I could play intramural basketball, as in only against your female school mates. That would be girls' basketball, which meant the middle of the court was like the great wall of China. Team A forwards and Team B defense players were REQUIRED to stay on one half of the court and vice versa. I don't know, maybe they thought we would get the vapors if we ran the whole court or dribbled more than three times in a row (that was another rule). There were a couple of "play days" with girls from other schools but no contact sports-- I played ping pong for my high school on those days. And oh yes, while I wasn't allowed to run track; I was allowed to do timing and scoring while my boyfriend ran.

Careers--So I was thinking about majoring in engineering; not like hugely compulsive I MUST BE AN ENGINEER but I thought that would be a good major for me. Since I had scholarships that could only be used in New York State, I checked things out and believe me preweb it wasn't easy. My choices were limited-- Cooper Union where if I could get in I would have to get my own apt in NYC and my parents- not so happy about that. RPI but I wouldn't be allowed to live on campus because I was, well yes, a girl. (Ah and to think Shirley Ann Jackson is now the president of RPI-- now that is progress.) So I went to LeMoyne College and majored in math instead.

My life continues to be great and I'm not complaining. I am however pointing out how much things have changed since Title IX.

Happy birthday Title IX and thank you.

PS sorry for the lack of postings; was in Austin for WEPAN and the totally cool bats!