Analyzing a Letter from Ruth Bader Ginsburg

This activity is appropriate as an introduction to the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). For grades 7-12. Approximate time needed is 20 minutes.

It can be done individually, in pairs, or as a full class. Direct students to begin by taking a minute to examine the document, then responding to the questions.

Students should answer the questions below the letter, which will guide them through the process of written document analysis. If necessary, check in with your students at each step in the process and model analysis if required:

• Meet the document.
• Observe its parts.
• Try to make sense of it.
• Use it as historical evidence.

After students have answered all of the analysis questions, they should click on “When You’re Done.” Facilitate a class discussion based on the question:

• Why do you think Ruth Bader Ginsburg was pursuing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) instead of the Women’s Equality Act?
• Based on her letter, what do you think she felt was so important about the ERA?

Provide additional contextual information if required.

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was first introduced in Congress in 1923 by Susan B. Anthony’s nephew, Congressman Daniel R. Anthony. Drafted by Alice Paul, a leader in the fight for women’s rights, it was proposed as a way to end discrimination against women.

 

This Constitutional amendment was reintroduced at every subsequent session of Congress for 49 years. Supporters believed it would provide full equality for women; opponents considered it unnecessary, and some believed it destructive of the family.

 

In 1972 the amendment passed both houses of Congress and was submitted to the State legislatures on March 22, 1972 for ratification.

 

When the deadline for ratification by the state legislatures passed in 1982, It was three states short of the required 38 (three-fourths of the States). It remains unratified.