by the undersigned members of the 2018 Sorensen Political Leaders Program
In elementary school, we are taught that the Constitution of the United States of America includes women and girls because “man” was used as an all-encompassing term that implies inclusion. Later in our education, we are taught that the only “men” who were full citizens conferred with rights and privileges were white, land-owning, Protestant males over the age of 21.
Imagine a girl’s sadness when she understands that the Founding Fathers were not talking about her when they voted to adopt, “All men are created equal…”. These white, land owning, Protestant males over the age of 21 were talking only of themselves. No female was in the room where it happened. They weren’t even, as that elementary school teacher promised, implied. Granted, some of these thoughtful men wrestled with the hypocrisy of owning other humans and discrimination against their fellows of different religions. However, these moral conflicts were not enough to change their initial impulses or diminish their own privilege.
Women do not seek retribution for what is lacking or wish to strip men of privilege. They just want to share in it equally. We are confident of the positive impact the members of the female gender have made on society. If you aren’t, you haven’t been paying attention. And based on the words of our founders it’s not even necessary for women to prove their worth. If we are all created equal, the only criterion was our creation. The endowment bestowed upon us by our Creator is a given. So, what is the harm in saying so?
Help us be the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Women in American society are owed more than an implied equality in our most unifying document. Let’s right this wrong in 2019.
Signed,
Members of the 2018 Sorensen Political Leaders Program
Paul Berry, Arlington
Lizzie Drucker-Basch, Henrico
Alex Askew, Virginia Beach
Matt Banfield, Henrico
Tyvon Bates, Richmond
Maria Ciarrochi, Alexand
Samantha Cohen, Roanoke
Cathy Copeland, Harrisonburg
Caroline Cooper, Alexandria
Sterling Daniel, Mechanicsville
Chris Dovi, Richmond
Aaron Edmond, Woodbridge
Kyle Elliot, Richmond
Holly Hazard, Falls Church
Ken Heath, Marion
Marques Jones, Henrico
Staci Martin, Virginia Beach
Kirk McPike, Alexandria
Fernando Mercado-Violand, Arlington
Melanie Meren, Vienna
Barbara Sgueglia, Chesapeake
The sentiments above are our own and not endorsed by the Sorensen Institute. The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership was founded in 1993 to bring together diverse individuals with a passion for politics and public service. All have a wide variety of viewpoints and backgrounds but want to work together for the common good. The non-partisan mission is to strengthen and enhance the quality of government at all levels throughout Virginia.
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