THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Jean Ledwith King

March 16, 1924 – October 9, 2021

“If a whole lot of people are mad at you, you must be doing something right.”

Attorney, educator, political activist who championed gender equity for millions of women in education, employment, politics and sports. Helped lay the foundation for Title IX. Filed her most significant education action against the University of Michigan, co-authoring a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Labor for sex discrimination in admissions, financial aid, employment and athletics in 1970. Co-founded the Women’s Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party in 1970. Co-chaired the Federal Glass Ceiling Commission that documented the shortage of women and minorities in top management positions. While targeting inequity in sports and education, she fought sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace, addressing issues from dress codes to breastfeeding.

Veteran Feminists of America Salute to Feminist Lawyers, Harvard Club, NYC, June 9, 2008