On this day in 1872, Illinois became the first US state to require gender equality in employment
Photo: Alta M. Hulett by Gentile / Chicago Historical Society
On this day in 1872, Illinois became the first US state to pass a law requiring equal hiring treatment for women and men. The bill was drafted by Alta M. Hulett and states that no person can be excluded from any occupation, profession, or employment because of their gender. Hulett, who earlier that year had been denied admission to the bar because of her gender despite passing the necessary exams, became Illinois’ first female lawyer the following year.
Also on 22 March
In 1972, US Congress approved the Equal Rights Amendment, an amendment to the constitution that would explicitly prohibit sex discrimination. To this day, it is still not ratified.
Read more about women’s achievements throughout history here
KEEP READING