The historical and political processes by which sex discrimination in education became a major public policy issue in the 1970's are explored in this book. Four significant cases in the attack upon sex discrimination in education are reviewed. The Cohen Vs. Chesterfield County (Virginia) School Board case, leading to a landmark Supreme Court decision on the rights of pregnant women workers, is detailed. Also described are the creation and activities of the U.S. Commissioner's Task Force on the Impact of Office of Education Programs on Women. The extent to which the Task Force's recommendations have been implemented is examined. Another case discussed is that of the Women's Educational Equity Act. The legislative processes leading to the Act's implementation are described. Finally, the history of the development, enactment and initial implementation of the Title IX regulation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is reviewed. From the examination of these four case histories, factors which have inhibited change, as well as those that have helped to eliminate sex biased policies in education, are identified. The performance of the legislative, executive, and judicial sectors, and of interest groups and national organizations is assessed. (Author/GC)