DescriptionThis year, Title IX, a federal law signed by President Richard Nixon on June 23, 1972, celebrates its 45th anniversary. An amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX consists of 37 words that mandated change in American education by making discrimination based on sex illegal, thereby expanding access and opportunities for the underrepresented sex, which historically has been women.

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.