The debate over the Equal Rights Amendment continues. To better understand the controversy, class members research the history of attempts to get the amendment ratified. In addition, pairs engage in a structured academic conversation after reading statements by Gloria Steinem who argues for the need for the ERA and by Phyllis Schlafly who argues against. The lesson ends with a video of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg detailing why she feels the amendment is necessary.

Concepts

equal rights, constitutional amendments, persuasive language, women's history, women's history month

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have groups research the current status of the ERA
• Create a color-coded wall map of the country and indicate which states have passed the ERA
• Post a chart that lists the arguments for and against the ERA
• Ask readers to highlight loaded language in both Steinem's and Schlafly's statements
• Use the resource during Women's History Month in March

Classroom Considerations

• The lesson assumes class members have previously studied persuasive language and techniques

Pros

• By including statements by Gloria Steinem and Phyllis Schlafly the resource presents both sides of the debate

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.11-12.1.b SL.11-12.1.c SL.11-12.1.d RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2