Edith Louise Starrett Green transformed American education and expanded opportunities for women, leaving a legislative legacy that continues to shape classrooms and careers today. A ten-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon, she became an influential architect of federal education policy. Her work helped pass landmark legislation—earning her the nicknames “Mrs. Education” and “Mother of Title IX.”
Born in South Dakota in 1910 and raised in Oregon, Green was shaped early by a love of learning and public life. She began her career as a teacher during the Great Depression, later turning to radio and public advocacy before entering politics. In 1954, she was elected to Congress—the first woman to win a seat on her own—where she quickly rose to prominence on the House Education and Labor Committee.
Over nearly two decades, Green helped author landmark legislation, including the National Defense Education Act, the Higher Education Act, and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, expanding access to education nationwide. She also championed the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act of 1963, advancing workplace equity for women.
Her most enduring achievement came with Title IX, the 1972 law prohibiting sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. Through hearings and relentless advocacy, Green helped ensure that women and girls would have equal access to educational opportunities.
Green died in 1987, leaving behind a legacy defined by access, equity, and the belief that education should open doors for all.
