John F. Kennedy
JFK: Establishing the President’s Commission on the Status of Women

 

"Executive Order

Establishing the President's Commission on the status of women:

Whereas prejudices and outmoded customs act as barriers to the full realization of women's basic rights which should be respected and fostered as part of our Nation's commitment to human dignity, freedom, and democracy; and

Whereas measures that contribute to family security and strengthen home life will advance the general welfare; and

Whereas it is the national interest to promote the economy, security, and national defense through the most efficient and effective utilization of the skills of all persons; and

Whereas in every period of national emergency women have served with distinction in widely varied capacities but thereafter have been subject to treatment as a marginal group whose skills have been inadequately utilized; and

Whereas women should be assured the opportunity to develop their capacities and fulfill their aspirations on a continuing basis irrespective of national exigencies; and

Whereas a Governmental Commission should be charged with the responsibility for developing recommendations for overcoming discriminations in government and private employment on the basis of sex and for developing recommendation for services which will enable women to continue their role as wives and mothers while making a maximum contribution to the world around them:

Now, therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and statutes of the United States, it is ordered as follows:

Part III- Remuneration and Expenses

Sec. 301. Members of the Commission, except those receiving other compensation from the United States, shall receive such compensation as the President shall hereafter fix in a manner to be hereafter determined.

The White House,

December 14, 1961"

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