Episode 44: A Discriminatory Policy, A Teacher Who Said No and the Importance of a Leader's Advocacy

In 1970, there was a school district in Chesterfield County, Virginia that employed a mandatory maternity leave policy. A high school 🏫 history teacher (who would become very close to me) in that district became pregnant 🤰 and was told that, due to this policy, she had to stop teaching at the end of her first trimester. 📅 That teacher said no, took a stand, and fought against this policy all the way up to the Unites States Supreme Court. In 1974, the Supreme Court 👩‍⚖️ held the policy was unconstitutional. That teacher forever changed the workplace and the world in a what was widely hailed as "victory for working women."In speaking with that teacher, it was clear that her willingness to advocate was crucial. Specifically, as a leader, the teacher understood that she had to use her voice on behalf of: 1️⃣ Those who did not have a voice (her students) 2️⃣ The greater good (pregnant women then and in the future) 3️⃣ Herself (something she was never comfortable doing)Leaders everywhere - take heed! Your willingness to advocate for your people is critical. But, just as important is your encouraging those very people to find their own voice and to use it!By the way - please make sure you watch the video to learn who this badass teacher is! 💪 (HINT: Her case was captioned Cohen v. School Board Chesterfield County, Virginia) Thanks for commenting and thanks for sharing!Duane Morris LLP Duane Morris Institute