Ain’t I A Woman

As Laura strengthens into a Category 4  hurricane, many students are returning or are already on campus.  Changes to Title IX rules may put students at risk for more than the coronavirus as they return to campus.

Castellar and Basynat outline the potential consequences of two changes: live testimony and cross-examination and modifications to the definition of sexual harassment.  Both of these changes may have a chilling effect on the number of survivors that will report sexual assault and harassment.  We are particularly concerned about how these changes affect women of color and low-income students.  I encourage you to read their blog.

The changes to Title IX go into effect during an academic year in which we also celebrate the 100th  anniversary of the 19th Amendment.  The 19th Amendment did not protect the voting rights of all women.  The 1965 Voting Rights Act made it illegal to impose barriers that may prevent non-whites from voting.

Although the statute commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment shows Soujourner Truth seated at the table, she was not sitting at the table, nor was she on the same stage.  Her speech at the 1851 Women’s Convention made it clear that she was not seen as a woman.  Given that slavery was still legal, she was probably not even seen as a human!

So, on this day, as many celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, I ask that you work to ensure that everyone who desires to vote can vote and that their vote is counted equally.  I ask that you require researchers to treat all women as women so that the next generation of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Indigenous American, and Multiracial women won’t read a woman-centered report and ask, “Ain’t I a “Ain’t?”

We are in” the final days of our WISER Women Campaign.  We have raised our financial goal nearly three times but are still short of the followers needed for a custom YouTube URL.  Please consider supporting our goal of a more inclusive society.

  1. You can support us financially.  This year, we ask our community, “Has a wom” n been influential in your life?” Who is the first woman you think of?  Consider donating an amount equivalent to that woman’s age to honor her.  My birthday is next Tuesday, August 11.  I’ll be 54.
  2. Follow us on social media.  We need 40 more YouTube subscribers to get a custom URL, and this is a really fast and easy way to help.  Also, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
  3. Consider writing a blog for us or sharing your research ideas.
  4. Connect us with grassroots organizations that need our expertise.  We want to help these organizations put data with narratives to strengthen their message.
  5. Promote our work by encouraging others to sign– up for WISER Wednesday.  Share our infographics, videos, and blogs.

Rhonda V. Sharpe is the president of the Women’s Institute for Science, Equity and Race.