June 23

On June 23, 1926, the College Board conducted the inaugural Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) at eighteen colleges and universities in the United States. Designed to assess a student’s reasoning and problem-solving skills, the SAT aimed to provide an objective measure for college admissions. This new exam featured sections on mathematics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Early administrations saw modest participation, but the SAT quickly gained acceptance as a central part of the admissions process. Over time, the test evolved with additional sections and scoring refinements. Today, the SAT is taken by millions of students worldwide and remains a fixture of higher education evaluation. Its introduction marked a shift towards standardized metrics in academic selection.

On June 23, 1972, Congress approved an amendment to Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, extending its provisions to prohibit sex discrimination in all educational programs receiving federal funding. The amendment closed loopholes that had previously exempted certain institutions and activities. It spurred dramatic growth in women’s participation in collegiate athletics and opened doors in academic and professional fields. Enforcement of Title IX has since addressed issues such as sexual harassment, gender equity in sports, and access to STEM education. The law has been credited with advancing gender equality on college campuses and beyond. Debates over its scope and implementation continue to shape discussions about civil rights and educational policy.