ERA in the Heartland: Ratification and Reconsideration in Kansas, 1973-1980

In the early 1970s states raced to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment after it was passed in Congress. It seemed inevitable that the legislation, granting equal rights to men and women, would become the 27th amendment to the United States Constitution. Grassroots movements – for and against the amendment – mobilized swiftly in response. Highlighting the voices of ordinary Kansans, this exhibit explores the dialogue surrounding the adoption of the ERA in our state and its legacy today.

This exhibit is based on University of Kansas history and journalism student Alexandra Haggar’s Honors thesis: “Rescind ERA: The Failed Efforts in Kansas to Rescind Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, 1973-1980.”

This exhibit is presented in partnership with the KU Department of History and with special thanks to Dr. Marie Grace Brown.

This exhibit features materials from the Kenneth Spencer Research Library at the University of Kansas.