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1 <br />ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: June 17, 2014 <br />SUBJECT: Proclamation — Women's Eaual <br />DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights, and <br />Community Development <br />Action Agenda <br />Item No. 6 -c <br />PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No <br />ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />HRC Proposed Proclamation James E. Davis, Jr. 919 - 245 -2488 <br />PURPOSE: To officially recognize August 26, 2014 as Women's Equality Day. <br />BACKGROUND: On June 4, 1919 Congress passed the 19th Amendment which guarantees all <br />American women the right to vote. This Amendment was ratified by a majority of the States on <br />August 18, 1920 and was declared effective law on August 26, 1920. The passing of this law <br />was the culmination of a national peaceful civil rights movement by women that began as early <br />as the 1840's. <br />First proclaimed in 1971, the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as "Women's Equality Day" <br />to commemorate the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The <br />observance of Women's Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th <br />Amendment, but also calls attention to women's continuing efforts toward full equality and <br />equity in all areas of life, including politics and the workplace. <br />The Orange County Human Relations Commission (HRC) recognizes that the equitable <br />treatment of women is paramount and hopes that the acknowledgment of Women's Equality <br />Day will encourage Orange County residents to take a stand against gender inequities. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: None <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board adopt and authorize the Chair <br />to sign the Women's Equality Day Proclamation. <br />