Gender-Bias Ban of 40 Years Ago

For all the people who bucked gender bias on the campuses of education, I thank you. Federal legislation, called Title IX, enacted 40 years ago today, directed schools to equalize opportunities and spending on men and women.

Forty years ago?!?!

I’ve been alive more than 40 years.

At the time this measure was being drafted, I was working on the family farm with Dad. I had 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Dad treated us all equal. I attribute his thinking to his religious beliefs and study of Christian Science, which promulgates a Father/Mother God, equality, and one intelligence available to everyone.

Dad taught me how to operate all the farm equipment right along with the guys. It was when I left home, that I came head to head with male-chauvinism. Thankfully, Dad taught me not to argue with it or try to prove discrimination wrong. I was to keep moving forward, keep appreciating those who struggled for equality, and keep fighting to do what I am capable of doing.

From 21st Century Science and Health, “Civil laws are implementing fairness and equity between the rights of the sexes, but more progress is needed, to say the least. Civilization and Science stand strong on the side of justice and encourage the elimination of discrimination, however, every time an effort is made to remedy unfairness, we must be alert that the effort doesn’t encourage difficulties of greater magnitude. Higher aims and motives, as well as improved mental character, must be considered as the feasible and rational means of progress.”