George Bush's position on

Title IX: Title IX was introduced in 1972 and requires federally funded schools and colleges to ensure gender equity in educational opportunities. The increase of female participation in athletics is the most visible benefit of Title IX. The law has also increased female participation in post-undergraduate degrees, and the math and science fields. In 2002 the Bush Administration convened the "Opportunity in Athletics Commission." This group, situated under the Department of Education was charged with analyzing the 30 year old Title IX. Since the inception of the "Opportunity in Athletics Commission" many feminist organizations have launched "Save Title IX" campaigns.

Description of the candidate's position: According to George Bush's website "W Stands for Women." He outlines his accomplishments for women which include, "making American safer, protecting the homeland, promoting flexibility in the workplace and reforming No Child Left Behind." Bush does not address his views on Title IX. The "Opportunity in Athletics Commission" was founded under the direction of George Bush. During his current Administration Bush has not enforced the changes to Title IX recommended by the Commission. Proponents of Title IX viewed the Commission as an attempt at undermining Title IX, "If the administration wants to improve Title IX, it should strengthen enforcement of the law and policies already on the books" (link)

Quotation from the Candidate: The Bush Administration has not made the changes recommended by the "Opportunity in Athletics Commission." According to the Boston Herald, "the Bush administration has pointed out that there have always been on the books three ways to satisfy Title IX: Show that female athletes are proportionate to female enrollment; demonstrate a pattern of expanding opportunities for women; or prove that the athletic interests of women have been met." (link)

Assessment of the proposal:

Positive: re-vamping or overriding Title IX would appease many of the lobbyist groups that view Title IX as enforcing gender quotas. Many athletic departments claim Title IX is reverse discrimination against boy's and men's programs.

Negative: Organizations such as NOW, FMF, Dads and Daughters and a committee of scientists and engineers have launched "Save Title IX" campaigns and written letters to the George Bush urging him to support and enforce the mandates of Title IX. The Executive Director of Dads and Daughters believes Title IX will lead to better fathers and closer father-daughter relationships: "Research shows that a high level of father involvement increases the odds that daughters will enter puberty later and delay first sexual activity. It lowers the chance that a girl will drink, smoke, use illicit drugs, stay in abusive relationship, or develop eating disorders or obesity."

Comparison: John Kerry vows to defend Title IX and expand college opportunities for women. While Bush is convening commissions to weaken the progress of Title IX, John Kerry recognizes its importance, the success Title IX has experienced over 30 years and vows to enforce it. According to many women's organization, if given the opportunity Bush may drastically weaken the law.

Link to Kerry's issue page