The 1980s - Part 2
The Center for Advanced Feminist Studies hosted a national conference on pay equity titled, "New directions in comparable worth: Minnesota and the Nation," October 17-18, 1985. The conference was part of a two-year research project concerning the issue of pay equality. It gave a behind-the-scenes look at Minnesota's 1982 comparable worth law.
--From Conference will look at comparable worth in Minnesota press release, April 18, 1985.
Here are the activities of the Minnesota Women's Center (MWC), as reported in a 1987 Women's Information Network meeting.
MWC acts as a resource center which provides personal educational and career support services to the University and the community.
Since the late 1970s and into the 1980s, sexual harassment was a major focus for MWC. In 1986, for example, between 35 and 45% of students received sexual harassment and violence counseling.
Anne Truax interviewed in September 1984, the 25th Anniversary of the Women's Center commented, "The idea behind the women's center is that it's not for feminists or women out of shape...It's for women to recognize the opportunities the women's movement has made available. Really, it's about rights. Certainly those should be made available to women on an equal opportunities basis." --From Women's Center reaches out to all women, MN Daily, September 17-19, 1984.
Professor Janet Spector, in her newly created role as special assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and to the Director of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (both new departments), drafted what became known as Minnesota Plan II. Minnesota Plan II called for a regular evaluation of the performance of the University in several areas affecting women: Harassment, discrimination, salary inequities, work environment and recruitment. It was hoped that the the plan would result in curriculum restructuring and the formation of an all-University commission of women.
Here are the activities of the Minnesota Women's Center (MWC), as reported in a 1987 Women's Information Network meeting.
MWC acts as a resource center which provides personal educational and career support services to the University and the community.
- Offers women-centered counseling and support groups; provides counseling and therapy groups for women who have been assaulted or harassed
- Acts as an advocate for women students
- Works to improve the University climate for women in the classroom
- Maintains an extensive information and referral services
- Provides students with opportunities to become involved with women's issues through a variety of women's organizations at all levels
- Organizes and assist with conferences and workshops of concern to women
Since the late 1970s and into the 1980s, sexual harassment was a major focus for MWC. In 1986, for example, between 35 and 45% of students received sexual harassment and violence counseling.
Anne Truax interviewed in September 1984, the 25th Anniversary of the Women's Center commented, "The idea behind the women's center is that it's not for feminists or women out of shape...It's for women to recognize the opportunities the women's movement has made available. Really, it's about rights. Certainly those should be made available to women on an equal opportunities basis." --From Women's Center reaches out to all women, MN Daily, September 17-19, 1984.
Professor Janet Spector, in her newly created role as special assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and to the Director of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (both new departments), drafted what became known as Minnesota Plan II. Minnesota Plan II called for a regular evaluation of the performance of the University in several areas affecting women: Harassment, discrimination, salary inequities, work environment and recruitment. It was hoped that the the plan would result in curriculum restructuring and the formation of an all-University commission of women.