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Title IX
During Newell's time as Acting Vice President of the University of Michigan, the school marked its 100th anniversary of the admission of their first female student, Madelon Stockwell, in 1970. Amid the social turmoil of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the university was under the spotlight for allegations by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) of discrimination in female employment and admissions. During the planning of celebrations for the historic event, it became more apparent that the presence of women at the university was largely for appearance. Newell was one of only two women to serve in a high-ranking administrative role, neither of which a permanent position. That only two women were appointed to the event-planning committee drew criticism of the irony of having men plan the event celebrating women.

In response, Newell formed another committee and led efforts to create a more education-based celebration spanning an October weekend. During the two-day teach-in, events including various panel discussions and workshops educated attendees on women's history and place in the university. The event served as an opportunity for women within the school to connect and communicate with one another. This event at the University of Michigan is one notable example of the work Newell put in to ensure women were receiving the education and resources of their male academic counterparts. Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex by educational institutions that receive federal funding, was enacted in June of 1972, the first year of Newell's presidency at Wellesley College. This new law further influenced Newell to find a way to highlight and study the discrimination that women face. The Wellesley Centers for Women was Newell's creation that would focus on achieving this goal.