Overview
The purpose of this discussion is to evaluate the arguments in favor of and opposing the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
Instructions:
For this discussion, review your readings for Unit 15 and read the following scenario carefully. Feel free to do research outside the course if you’d like other points of view.
Scenario: It’s 1982. Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in 1972. The states have ten years to ratify the amendment. Thirty-five states have ratified the ERA. The state of Florida has yet to decide on its ratification. The Florida state legislature created a ratification commission which is charged with hosting a series of town-hall meetings throughout the state, gathering information from their constituents on the matter. The commission is scheduled to arrive in Miami at the University of Miami. Prepare a set of talking points for your testimony before the commission, taking on the role of ONE of the following individuals and explain:
- Whether or not they would support Florida’s ratification of the ERA
- Why they choose that position
- What is the difference between the Equal Rights Amendment, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the 14th amendment
- What are the pros and cons of the ERA for women
Choose ONE of the following individuals:
- Carol Anderson, a white housewife living in Coral Gables and is a member of STOP ERA, founded by Phylis Schlafly
- Gwen Kennedy, a civil rights attorney and a member of the Feminist Party, founded by Flo Kennedy
- Ruth Meyers, a Miami librarian and a member of the National Organization for Women or NOW
- Anita Bryant, an American singer, spokeswoman for the Florida Citrus Commission, a conservative activist living in Miami
