Gender Equity

1892...1848...what's a few years...

The Committee of Ten men collaborated on a shared vision to prepare all students for the endeavors beyond high school.  Because high school was thought to be a stepping stone into college, the response to preparedness gave birth to curricular changes and focus.  In order to serve all students, a broader curriculum was initiated.  In 1892, the Committee of Ten was formed to collect and select qualified individuals to promote their vision.  Their mission was to standardize secondary school curricula.  I find this to be very important.  It was a means of preparing students who would not be attending college.  Back then only the wealthy could afford such high hopes.  However, the masses needed to be able to positively give back to society by being productive and enriched citizens.  I like the way the committee organized the transition by appointing yet another ten-member sub-committee in languages, mathematic, physics, economy, government, and science.  This enabled specialists to have a say in the curricula and standards.  Okay, I left out a few “sub-disciplines”, but my math skills tell me the Committee of Ten became a strong force of over one-hundred specialists overnight.  Good planning, great use of resources, nice delegation, and super promotion of a positive change.  I find it odd that fifty years prior to this realization of equity, women had already had the forethought to consider all. 

When Mott and Stanton spoke, the women of New York listened.  An influential women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York in the summer of 1848.  It lasted two days and produced a Declaration of Sentiments and a list of resolutions.  I find it funny how only one hundred of the three hundred in attendance signed the document.  One-third is the ratio I remember reading about in the nineteen seventies regarding male and female wages. 

We all know how brave those who have nothing to lose can be in the face of change.  Historically we have seen royals fall, high profile divorces causing financial ruin, and higher crimes rates among the down-trodden.  In 1848, America was finding her voice.  She believed in the mission stated by the perilous voyages and dreams.  Women discovered their intellect and rediscovered their desire for freedom.  The resolutions regarding equality and the pursuit of a trade were giant steps towards both economic and moralistic strengths breaking free from the silent bonds created by men.  As an educational leader, I can learn from this event.  It was an act of change presented to listeners who secretly liked their positions in society and those who were afraid.  Bullying by community members, high profile stakeholders, and much posturing tried to diminish the retaliation by the multitude of signers who shared a vision.  If anything, leaders must believe, take hold, and persevere in their march towards change.


So, here I sit in 2012, still looking for more women in key political positions.  Equality is a terrible thing to lose, and yet more people throw it away every day.  Women!  What are you thinking?  Vote for your girls...look at the data.  Two-thirds of women do NOT vote for women politicians; even the ones who are extremely capable leaders.  Why would you not build your own gender up and create a louder voice?  I see it everywhere.  Girls jealous of other girls; teachers of teachers, etc.  Equality will never be realized as long as the only vision we see our own reflection...