Birch Bayh: Champion For Equal Rights

Former Senator from Indiana, Birch Bayh, passed away in March, at the age of 91.  He was instrumental in writing and helping get passed some of the most important legislation in the past 50 years.  A farmers son, Bayh came from a simple background.  He became a giant in the senate, where he served from 1963-1980.

Birch Bayh is responsible for two Constitutional amendments and one very important amendment to the Equal Rights Amendment.  Bayh played a large part in both the 25th amendment, and 26th amendment, which have had an enduring impact on American life.  The 25th amendment dealt with presidential disability and vice presidential vacancies.  If the president is unable to serve, this amendment can be used to remove him from office.  Also, if the Vice President takes over for the president, the new president can pick his vice president.  The 26th amendment gave 18 year olds the right to vote, in both state and federal elections.

Bayh is probably best remembered for Title 1X.  Title 1X was drafted by Bayh, and was the landmark federal legislation which barred sexual discrimination in schools and colleges.  It greatly expanded sports programs for women.  It was passed in the 1960's as part of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society Program.  Title 1X was developed while Congress was considering the Equal Rights Amendment.

Bayh was also responsible for pushing through another amendment that would have abolished the electoral college, but failed to get it ratified.  He was a principled man who got so much done.  Getting an amendment to the constitution passed is difficult enough, but Bayh got two amendments passed, and women today are still aware that the efforts of Birch Bayh to make Title 1X a reality, have given them opportunity like never before.