AFT Resolution

EQUAL RIGHTS FOR WOMEN

WHEREAS, in 1776 Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John, a representative to the Continental Congress: I long to hear that you have declared an independency and (that) in the new code of lawsI desire that you would remember the ladies and do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husband; and
WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) stated that all men are created equal, but did not include women as equal. Women had to fight for more than 70 years for the right to vote (1848-1920); and

WHEREAS, a constitutional amendment guaranteeing equal rights to women was proposed in 1923. It states: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has not been ratified although it has been before Congress for more than 75 years; and

WHEREAS, the Womens Equality Amendment has been introduced in the 110th Congress (2007-08) by Sen. Edward Kennedy and Rep. Carolyn Maloney. This amendment is the same as the ERA, the Equal Rights Amendment; and

WHEREAS, Congress may choose to adjust or repeal time-limit constraints on a constitutional amendment as a strategy for its passage; and

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers fought vigorously for the passage of ERA in the 1970s and early 1980s:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers recognize the harmful effects of sex discrimination and reaffirm its commitment to end it. That the AFT call upon all union members to help guarantee equal rights to women in the U.S. Constitution; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers continue to support the Equal Rights Amendment, which has been reintroduced as the Womens Equality Amendment, as part of its legislative and political action. This includes, but is not limited to, political endorsements, lobbying, e-mail and media campaigns and active involvement with our affiliates and coalitions.

(2008)