U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui (D-California) reintroduced legislation to combat harassment and discrimination in education.
The Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act would provide help including resources, training and technical assistance to fight the issue.
"Trailblazers Patsy Mink and Louise Slaughter spent their careers demanding better opportunities for all Americans, regardless of their gender. This bill builds on their legacy by providing more funding to address sex-based harassment and discrimination in education," Hirono said, according to her Senate website. "On the 49th anniversary of Title IX’s enactment, Congress should act now to make sure that all students can learn in safe and supportive learning environments."
The legislation was previously introduced by Hirono and Matsui in the 115th and 116th Congresses.
"Patsy Mink and Louise Slaughter were tireless warriors for equality and continue to serve as our North Star for expanding opportunity and eradicating discrimination on the basis of sex in schools everywhere," Matsui said, according to Hirono's website. "By fiercely advocating for Title IX, these champions ensured that future generations of women and girls would have the tools to pursue their passions and become the next generation of leaders."
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that was passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives federal money.
The bill advances Title IX by promoting equity in education for those who face discrimination based on multiple characteristics, including actual or perceived sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Gender Equity in Education Act is cosponsored by ten Democratic senators, including Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, and seven Democratic representatives.