TITLE IX

Runner

Swimmer

Gymnast

Soccer Player

Issued March 3, 2022

These stamps commemorate the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX, a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex from any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. According to the Postal Service, the law’s “most visible impact has been on school athletics.”

The four stamp designs show dark blue silhouettes of a female runner, swimmer, gymnast and soccer player. Yellow laurel branches symbolizing victory are seen on the athletes’ hair and the swimmer’s cap.

Passed as a clause in the Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. In the 50 years since its passage, Title IX has been applied widely at elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions. The law covers a broad range of programs and resources. Most visibly, Title IX has created pathways for enriching women’s athletics programs, allowing for more competitive sports offerings, stronger physical education regimens and equal spaces to play. Additionally, Title IX prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking on school campuses or during school programs or activities. Fifty years later, Title IX is still evolving. The law has affected generations of young people in the United States, and the work to provide protections for even more in the future continues.

First Day Ceremony

The USPS held the Title IX stamp First Day of Issue ceremony on March 3, 2022. The event was held at the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., Washington, D,C. The event was open to the public but limited in seating due to COVID restrictions.

Approximately 100 persons attended the ceremony. The 4 stamps celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the legislation that enacted this hallmark change to the Education Amendments of 1972.. Many of the program participates spoke on the important of Title IX and how more women now participate in sports at all levels. Billy Jean King was a virtual Guest Speaker. Melinda Beck, the Stamp Artist, was the final guest speaker.

Each person attending received a Stamp Ceremony program and a Stamp pin. Stamp sheets, set of 4 stamp pins, set of 4 FDOI Covers and Stamp portraits could be purchased from the USPS. The USPS also had personnel on site to do FDOI cancellations. Many of the program participates signed the ceremony programs and other items following the ceremony. Five ESPER members attended the event. Howard Ingram (VA), Rhonda Ingram (VA), Betty Session (MD)

Norrece Jones, Jr. MD) and Leah Strange (DC)

(Photos are from Howard Ingram and Betty Session).