A Matter of Simple Justice. Lee Stout

A Matter of Simple Justice

Praise for

A MATTER OF SIMPLE JUSTICE

“A Matter of Simple Justice recounts a momentous chapter in women’s history: namely, the efforts to advance the role of women in government. As an eyewitness to those exciting times, I saw many women breaking through barriers, earning jobs never before held by women, and establishing successful careers. I am delighted this important story has been told at last.”

JULIE NIXON EISENHOWER

“Each generation produces visionary pioneers who recognize existing injustices and strive to change them. A Matter of Simple Justice chronicles how with the leadership of one of these pioneers, Barbara Hackman Franklin, my father and the Nixon Administration were instrumental in opening doors previously closed to women. Thanks to their efforts, women have made enormous contributions to our nation in government, business, military, academics, sports and medicine.”

TRICIA NIXON COX

A Matter of Simple Justice

This book grew out of the “A Few Good Women” project, which created the oral histories used herein. The funding for this project came from the following sources:

Aetna Foundation, Inc., which was the major funder; with additional funding from the foundations of the Dow Chemical Company, TE Connectivity, formerly AMP, Inc., and Milacron, Inc., as well as The Sky Bight Foundation, Inc., and contributions from various individuals. Proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to support the Penn State University Libraries.

Frontispiece: President Nixon greets Barbara Franklin in April 1971. White House Photograph, A Few Good Women Oral History Collection, Penn State University Archives.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Stout, Lee.

A matter of simple justice : a few good women / Lee Stout

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Summary: “Focuses on the major role of Barbara Hackman Franklin, a staff assistant to President Nixon, in expanding opportunities for women in government and in American society in general. Shows how the Nixon administration’s achievements reflected the national debate over the role of women”—Provided by publisher.

ISBN 978-0-271-05971-6 (cloth : alk. paper)

1. Franklin, Barbara Hackman.

2. Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913–1994—Friends and associates.

3. Women—Government policy—United States.

4. Women’s rights—United States.

5. Women—United States—Social conditions—20th century.

6. Women—Employment—United States—History—20th century.

7. Sex role—United States—History—20th century.

8. United States—Politics and government—1969–1974.

9. Women political consultants—United States—Biography.

I. Title.

HQ1236.5.U6S76 2012

305.420973—dc23

2011036981

Printed in the United States of America

Published by The Pennsylvania State University Libraries, University Park, PA 16802-1003

It is the policy of The Pennsylvania State University Libraries to use acid-free paper. Publications on uncoated stock satisfy the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Material, ANSI Z39.48–1992.

To my grandmothers, who in their own distinct ways, showed me the dignity and strength of women in very difficult circumstances; to my mother, who showed me the value of unconditional love and kindness; to my wife, Dee, who taught me that sharing compassion and wisdom are just as important as teaching knowledge and skills; and to Barbara Hackman Franklin and the “few good women” who demonstrated, in so many additional ways, that women can do anything they choose

CONTENTS

ILLUSTRATIONS

FOREWORD BY SARA EISEN

PREFACE

CHRONOLOGY

INTRODUCTION: The Question and the Answer

PART 1 Advancing Women’s Role in Government: Barbara Hackman Franklin

1. Some Historical Background

2. Women’s Appointments and the President’s Task Force on Women’s Rights and Responsibilities

3. Setting the Stage for a Program

4. Calling Barbara Franklin: The Initiative Is Under Way

5. The Women’s Program Meets Its Goals