Remembering Bernice Sandler, the “Godmother of Title IX”
Early Life and Career
Bernice Sandler, affectionately known as “Bunny,” was a trailblazing academic who dedicated her life to fighting sex discrimination in education. In the 1960s, as she pursued her doctorate and worked part-time at the University of Maryland, she faced numerous instances of bias due to her gender.
Awakening to Discrimination
One pivotal moment came when Sandler was passed over for a job despite her qualifications. A colleague explained that she was “too strong for a woman.” This realization sparked within her a deep sense of injustice.
The Path to Title IX
Sandler delved into research and discovered Executive Order 11246, which prohibited discrimination by federal contractors based on race, color, religion, and national origin. She realized that this order had been amended to include gender as well.
Mobilizing for Change
Armed with this knowledge, Sandler contacted the Department of Labor and the Women’s Equity Action League. Together, they organized a class action lawsuit against colleges and universities nationwide for employment discrimination.
Congressional Hearings and Title IX
The issue eventually reached Congress, and Sandler was hired as a staffer for Representative Edith Green, who chaired the subcommittee on higher education. In 1970, hearings on women’s education and employment led to the drafting of Title IX, which was incorporated into the Educational Amendments of 1972.
Landmark Legislation
Title IX declared that no person in the United States could be excluded from or discriminated against in any education program or activity receiving federal funding based on their sex. This law transformed education, opening up opportunities for women in all aspects of academic life, from employment to extracurricular activities and sports.
Impact on Education and Sports
Title IX had a profound impact on women’s participation in sports. Prior to the act, only one in 26 girls participated in high school sports. Today, two in every five girls are involved in athletics.
Beyond Employment
Supreme Court rulings in the 1990s extended Title IX’s reach to include protections against sexual harassment and sexual assault on school campuses.
A Lifetime of Advocacy
Sandler recognized that implementing true gender equity would be an ongoing battle. After the passage of Title IX, she established the Project on the Status and Education of Women and the Women’s Research and Education Institute to continue advocating for women’s rights.
Legacy and Recognition
Bernice Sandler’s unwavering dedication to fighting sex discrimination left an indelible mark on American education. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and her legacy continues to inspire those who strive for gender equality.
Sandler’s Vision for the Future
In 2007, Sandler reflected on the Title IX movement, calling it “a social revolution with an impact as large as the Industrial Revolution.” She acknowledged that progress had been made, but emphasized that the journey towards full gender equity was far from over.
