DIY History | Transcribe | Social Justice | University of Iowa libraries acquisitions dress code petition, October 18, 1970 | 1970-10-08 Leslie W. Dunlap to Mrs. Kathleen Wachel Page 3

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University of Iowa libraries acquisitions dress code petition, October 18, 1970

1970-10-08 Leslie W. Dunlap to Mrs. Kathleen Wachel Page 3

In view of recent social trends we, the undersigned, feel that it would be reasonable for a more liberal standard of dress to be accepted for the female staff members of the university libraries. This relates particularly to the wearing of tailored pants, pantsuits, etc. which, in terms of social dress codes, climate, modesty and ease of action, would be suitable and congenial to many members of the staff. 

There are precedents established for the acceptance of such dress at formal social gatherings and church ceremonies; in schools (for both teachers and pupils), libraries, business organizations and the courts of the United States. Michigan Chief Justice Thomas E. Brennan (Des Moines Register, 1 October, 1970), responding to a woman attorney, said: "I see nothing inappropriate about a trouser suit....They have achieved wide acceptance among women of good taste in both business and social circumstances and would not be in these times looked upon as mere sportswear."

We feel that individual employees are sufficiently responsible not to wear anything inconsistent with the dignity and execution of their duties. Bearing this in mind we feel that the administration of the library will be able to regard this petition favorably. 

[List of names after Pam Lenker from previous page]
Ann Ford
Jacquie Belding
[Yolanda] Ryan
Marjorie Garwood
Mary G. Clark
Mary Horton
Dee Dee Cole
Janie [Gaul]
Betty [Poock]
Sandy Riggan

[List of names after Max Van Kirk from previous page]
[unreadable] Eaton
Kristi Harris
Robert [McCown]
Sheila [Casey]
Robert [Hedgo]
Idamae Jones
Pauline Munn/AF
Vera Bacon/AF
Carol Vogt/AF
Sandra Ballasch/AF

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In view of recent social trends we, the undersigned, feel that it would be reasonable for a more liberal standard of dress to be accepted for the female staff members of the university libraries. This relates particularly to the wearing of tailored pants, pantsuits, etc. which, in terms of social dress codes, climate, modesty and ease of action, would be suitable and congenial to many members of the staff. There are precedents established for the acceptance of such dress at formal social gatherings and church ceremonies; in schools (for both teachers and pupils), libraries, business organizations and the courts of the United States. Michigan Chief Justice Thomas E. Brennan (Des Moines Register, 1 October, 1970), responding to a woman attorney, said: "I see nothing inappropriate about a trouser suit....They have achieved wide acceptance among women of good taste in both business and social circumstances and would not be in these times looked upon as mere sportswear." We feel that individual employees are sufficiently responsible not to wear anything inconsistent with the dignity and execution of their duties. Bearing this in mind we feel that the administration of the library will be able to regard this petition favorably. [List of names after Pam Lenker from previous page] Ann Ford Jacquie Belding [Yolanda] Ryan Marjorie Garwood Mary G. Clark Mary Horton Dee Dee Cole Janie [Gaul] Betty [Poock] Sandy Riggan [List of names after Max Van Kirk from previous page] [unreadable] Eaton Kristi Harris Robert [McCown] Sheila [Casey] Robert [Hedgo] Idamae Jones Pauline Munn/AF Vera Bacon/AF Carol Vogt/AF Sandra Ballasch/AF