ISU hosts Title IX 50th Anniversary Celebration

Indiana State University hosted an event Thursday morning celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities.

Speakers included ISU President Deborah J. Curtis, Ph.D.; Chris Bayh, an Attorney with Barnes & Thornburg; Andi Myers, Emerita Director of ISU Athletics; and Angie Lansing, Senior Associate Athletic Director at ISU.

Bayh is the son of former Senator Birch Bayh, known as the Father of Title IX, one of the principal authors of the legislation. Bayh said several of his family members are ISU alumni and there is a strong connection between ISU and Title IX. "This institution is what inspired my dad and probably many others in terms of creating this legislation and continuing the fight for gender equity," Chris Bayh said.

Addressing the student-athletes present at the event, Curtis said: "Today is the time to celebrate women's athletics both here at ISU and throughout the country. Please know that the pioneers who came before you only ask that you compete at your very best level and pass the baton to the next generation of women athletes with spirit and with pride. We are so proud of all of our student-athletes and you lift us up every day."