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NEA Issue Explainer

Women's Rights

As a nation, we’ve made great strides in the fight for equality. But there’s still a ways to go.
Kimberly Eckert is a high school English teacher in Louisiana
Published: December 2, 2021
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org

Title IX, enacted in 1972, protects Americans from sex-based discrimination in education programs or activities that receive federal financial aid. But there’s a world of difference between official policy and today’s realities. 

On average, women still earn just 80 cents for every dollar earned by men, with women of color receiving even less. Women are discouraged from seeking some jobs and forced out of the workplace when they become pregnant or struggle to achieve work-life balance after having a baby.

NEA advocates for legislation to ensure gender equity in education and the workplace, and to address violence against women.

Speak Up For Students and Public Schools

When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.
Broken pencils

Together, we will claim victories for public education

Join thousands of your fellow Oregon educators in contributing monthly to OEA-PAC and make your voice heard!
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Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education

The Oregon Education Association (OEA) is a union committed to the cause of providing the basic right of great public education to every student. OEA represents about 41,000 educators working in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public schools and community colleges. OEA’s membership includes licensed teachers and specialists, classified/education support professionals (ESPs), community college faculty, retired educators, and student members. OEA members also belong to the 3.2 million members of the National Education Association (NEA).