Birch Evans Bayh

Democrat Senator of Indiana

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1928 (91 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 2019

Death

American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Indiana for 18 years.
First elected to public office in 1954, becoming the youngest Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives in 1958.
Authored two significant constitutional amendments: the Twenty-fifth Amendment (presidential succession and disability) and the Twenty-sixth Amendment (lowering the voting age to 18).
Instrumental in the passage of Title IX of the Higher Education Act, which prohibits gender discrimination in federally funded education.
Authored the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, reforming the youth prison system.
Co-authored the Bayh–Dole Act, which allows universities and small businesses to retain ownership of inventions developed from federally funded research.
Voted in favor of key civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Acts and the Voting Rights Act.
Led opposition against two Supreme Court nominees during the Nixon administration due to concerns over their judicial records.
Ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972 and 1976 but did not secure the nomination.
After leaving the Senate, remained active in legal and political circles, including founding a law firm and serving on corporate boards.
Recognized for his contributions to women’s rights and education, earning the title “Father of Title IX.”
His legacy includes significant reforms in constitutional law, education, and juvenile justice.