Resolutions Related to Higher Education

I-52. Equal Opportunity for Women

The National Education Association believes that all persons, regardless of gender, must have equal opportunity for employment, promotion, compensation (including equal pay for comparable worth), and leadership in all activities.

The Association supports an amendment to the U.S. Constitution (such as the Equal Rights Amendment) that guarantees that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state because of gender. The Association urges its affiliates to support ratification of such an amendment. The Association also supports the enactment and full funding of the Women's Educational Equity Act.

The Association also believes that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission must have cease-and-desist authority to act in all cases of discrimination based on race, creed, color, age, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identification, and gender. The Association further believes that governing boards and education associations must eliminate discriminatory practices against women in employment, promotion, and compensation. Personnel policies must include family leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, leave for adoption of a child, child-care leave, and professional leave that encourages women to participate in professional growth experiences and to prepare for administrative and executive positions.

The Association believes that national, state, and local agencies should consider research specifically related to women and their health problems and concerns.

The Association also believes that professional associations at all levels should adopt policies that ensure women equal access to elective, appointive, and staff positions.

The Association further believes in the establishment of women's education committees in local and state affiliates as a vehicle for implementation of equal opportunity for women.

The Association believes that sexism and sex discrimination must be eliminated and endorses the use of nonsexist language. (1969, 2002)

NOTE: Figures in parentheses represent the years when the resolution was first adopted and last amended or reviewed.