In recognition of the sacrifice, courage and perseverance of women who fought for the right to vote, the Los Angeles Board of Education voted unanimously on April 23 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The resolution calls for a special celebration, “Remembering Women’s Suffrage Day,” on August 18, 2020.

“The year 2020 will be a year of celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement, and Los Angeles Unified is committed to ensuring that all of our students know the strength, courage and boldness of those who came before them,” said LAUSD Board President Mónica García, who sponsored the resolution. “Let this commemoration spark a new joy and gratitude in the hearts of our activists, mothers, grandmothers, future leaders and all who embrace the fight for gender equity and respect for all.”

The resolution encourages all LAUSD schools to include the study of women’s leadership, especially during the suffrage movement and in advocacy for the 19th Amendment, as a special component of regular social studies academic programs. The resolution also calls for district schools to teach the history of the women’s suffrage movement, including past and present advances in women’s rights in the United States and around the world.

“At a time when many of our nation’s citizens’ voting rights are under attack, it’s important to remember the contributions of these bold and courageous women who fought for a voice in the civic process more than a century ago,” said Board Vice President Nick Melvoin, who co-sponsored the resolution. “I am thankful for all the brave and strong female leaders who continue to fight for equal rights, for women and for all people, here and around the world.”