The Myra Sadker Equity Award
The first annual Myra Sadker Equity award is given to Anne L.
Bryant,
Executive Director of the National School Boards Association.
Anne L. Bryant, you embody the spirit of Myra Sadker's work and
efforts.
As executive director of the American Association of University
Women, you
were the force behind a series of publications that riveted national attention
on the subtle but destructive bias confronting girls in school. In How Schools
Shortchange Girls, the AAUW reviewed over a thousand studies documenting the
extent of gender bias in schools. This landmark effort was followed by other
powerful publications. the erosion of self esteem suffered by many girls -
especially Hispanic girls - as they go through school became the focus of one
such effort. In Hostile Hallways, AAUW moved the persistent problem of sexual
harassment in schools from the shadows into the spotlight. In all of these
efforts, it was you, Anne Bryant, who provided energy, direction, and
commitment that moved gender bias onto center stage of the nation's
consciousness. In so doing, AAUW set the tone for popular publications to
follow, including Peggy Orenstein's Schoolgirls, Judy Mann's The Difference,
Mary Pipher's Reviving Ophelia and of course, Myra Sadker's Failing at
Fairness.
The path was not always easy. Regressive political forces often
targeted you
and your efforts, attacking both the message and the messenger. This was not
new. In the last century, the AAUW was formed as a response to the popular
argument that because of health reasons, women should not be permitted to
attend college. The AAUW stood firm against such attacks on women in the
1890s, and, under your direction, stood firm against similar attacks in the
1990s.
Your courage and dedication increased this nation's awareness
of the
importance of educational equity. Your efforts have benefitted not only
girls, but and boys as well. It is a pleasure to recognize you, Anne L.
Bryant, as the first winner of the Myra Sadker Equity Award.
PLearner <PLearner@aol.com>