June 23, 1972 7/2/22

On June 23, 1972 Title IX, a 32 word federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program that receives funding from the federal government, took effect. Title IX is best known for opening equal rights to women athletes in the US, but it also had similar academic implications. In recent years, 60% of undergraduate students in the US are women, and a higher percentage or 500,000 women are pursuing master's degrees. Over 100,000 women per year earn a doctorate.

Penn State commemorated the 50 year anniversary of Title IX with a march through campus of women athletes, coaches (including men's football and basketball) and supporters. The parade, which extended two blocks, converged on the Old Main Lawn where Athletic Director Sandy Barbour and University President Neeli Bendapudi spoke about the history and future implications of Title IX nationwide and for Penn State.