On Oct. 29, SRU’s Equal Rights Amendment Advocates Organization, commonly known as ERA Advocates, held a student and faculty panel to bring awareness about the amendment and the history of it.
The ERA Advocates is a student organization dedicated to taking action for gender equality and human rights.
This panel was attended by several students from different organizations on campus. Such as, SRU Progressives, Student Nonprofit Alliance and Black Action Society.
The panel consisted of Ariella Westreich, the founder and president of ERA, professor Melissa Ford and professor William Bergmann. Both are involved in Slippery Rock’s history department.
Panelists were asked several questions from the moderator of the panel, and then had time to answer questions from students as well. Questions ranged from being asked to give a brief history of the ERA to what being an ERA advocate meant to them.
One highlight from the panel was when panelists were discussing whether there is a need for an Equal Rights Amendment. Ford and Bergmann shared their own thoughts on the question.
“People see a society where women are largely equal, and that an amendment seems a step too far in several Americans’ eyes. Women are able to vote, own a credit card and we also have the Civil Rights Act,” Bergmann said.
“The Civil Rights Act only protects against discrimination in the workplace based on sex,” Ford replied. “…While the Equal Rights Amendment could have helped Roe v. Wade from being overturned and could help cases of sexual assault be handled more seriously.”
Another highlight from the panel was when panelists were asked the following question: “What does being an ERA advocate mean to you? What advice would you offer for ERA advocates fighting today and experiencing fatigue for how long it has taken?”
“It means fighting for gender equality, taking action for social justice and not being complicit in an unfair system,” Westreich said.
“As with any social organization it always takes time and the victories are usually small and spread out,” Bergmann added. “Organizing something and looking for a quick and simple solution isn’t realistic. Stick with it. Everything’s a campaign.”
Dr. Ford closed the question with her answer.
“It’s okay to be fatigued and feel like you can’t always have to fight,” she said. “Recognize your allies and peers who have similar ideas. This isn’t a battle one person can win, it’s a part of a longer battle that can draw lessons from the past. It’s okay to not have to save the world.”
If students are interested in joining the ERA Advocates or learning more about them, they hold weekly meetings every Tuesday, in Spotts 115 at 6:00 p.m
