This semester, in tribute to the February Sisters and Women's History Month, the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity; Department of Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies; and Kenneth Spencer Research Library are partnering to release a collaborative zine project — titled "Remembering KU's February Sisters" — featuring work by members of the KU and Lawrence community. 

On Monday, March 18, from 6 pm to 7 pm, please join us for the release of "Remembering KU's February Sisters" and a reception in the North Gallery of the Spencer Research Library (1450 Poplar Lane). This celebration will feature guests of honor February Sisters Christine Leonard Smith and Jo Andersen as well as a University Archives display of original documents telling the story of the February Sisters. The first 30 attendees will receive a free copy of the zine. Refreshments provided.

ABOUT THE FEBRUARY SISTERS

The February Sisters, a group of 30 women and 4 children, occupied the East Asian Studies building at the University of Kansas for thirteen hours on February 4, 1972. This peaceful protest, accompanied by six non-negotiable demands, challenged “the continuing sex-based inequities perpetrated by this university” and pressured the administration to establish new “resources to meet the pressing needs of women.” As a result of their demands, the February Sisters brought about important institutional change at KU, including the establishment of Hilltop Day Care Center, the development of a Women’s Studies program and major, the accessibility of birth control pills and gynecological exams through Student Health Services, the appointment of more women administrators, and the implementation of a federally mandated affirmative action program.

ABOUT WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Women’s History Month, which started as Women’s History Week, grew out of a 1979 institute on the new field of women’s history organized by Dr. Gerda Lerner. “Women's history,” wrote Lerner, “is indispensable and essential to the emancipation of women.” Lerner felt strongly that “we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision” from the exploration of women’s history. She argued that the study of women’s history provides a powerful “tool for organizing,” allowing us to learn from the ideas, strategies, tactics, successes, and mistakes of our predecessors. In this tradition, the Department of Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies and the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity present The February Sisters Lecture in March to honor Women's History Month and celebrate KU's own women’s history makers. Join us on Monday, March 25 for this year's lecture featuring Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly speaking on "Against Triple Oppression: Black Women, Radicalism, and Resistance."

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Emily Taylor Center welcomes and encourages people with disabilities to participate in our events. Please email your accessibility questions or accommodation requests to emilytaylorcenter@ku.edu