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Gender equity legislation introduced on Capitol HillBy Ted Barrett/CNN
July 14, 1999 WASHINGTON (July 14) -- A bipartisan group of members of Congress said Wednesday they will offer legislative amendments later this year to address so-called "gender equity" issues in elementary and high school education. The proposals, amendments to a large education bill, will seek to improve computer technology to meet the learning styles of girls, reduce sexual harassment in schools, gather statistics on girls' participation in high school sports and develop ways to help keep pregnant and parenting teens in school. "Girls, when compared to boys, tend to come to the classroom with less exposure to computers and other technology. They continue to be harmed by sexual harrassment and drop out of school in high numbers when they become parenting teens or pregnant," said Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Michigan). At a news conference, several lawmakers referred to the members of the U.S. women's World Cup champion soccer team as "Title IX babies," referring to the title number of a federal legislative amendment that, in 1972, prevented "discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." That included college athletics, leading to major gains in funding for women's sports and the subsequent growth of participation in sports by women. Lawmakers said the success women have achieved on the playing field can be matched in the classroom. The members said particular attention needs to be paid to science, math and computer skills. "A new gender gap has emerged in technology and this is disturbing and disheartening. If our nation is to continue to be a competitor in the global ecomony we need a healthy pool of technically trained persons ... We can achieve this only if we include both halves of the work force," said Rep. Connie Morella (R-Maryland). The proposals will come as an amendment to an elementary and secondary education reauthorization bill that will come before Congress later this year. MORE STORIES:Wednesday, July 14, 1999
• First Lady's sworn statement denies 'Filegate' involvement • House expected to give itself pay raise • Forbes to launch second wave of presidential ad campaign • Republican leaders push president again for 'lock box' • Kasich drops out of GOP race • Gore sticks to issues, gets some help from boss • Gender equity legislation introduced on Capitol Hill • Bush's communications chief leaves campaign • Clinton expands food stamp eligibility • Minnesota Gov. Ventura will referee pro wrestling match • Public TV station gave list of donors to the Democrats • Poll: Giuliani moves ahead of Hillary Clinton • Reagan doctor says former president still declining • Bush defends old campaign literature touting active-duty service • House debates spending bill after reviving parks program • Bill would require adoption talk in clinics • First Lady's sworn statement denies 'Filegate' involvement |
