Feminism & Gay Rights

The emerging second-wave feminist movement focused on equality in several realms, including women’s reproductive rights, pay equity, access to child care, and equal opportunity in the workplace. Gay Liberation Front, founded in 1970, was the first such university-recognized student organization in the U.S.

Leona Durham article

The selection of Leona Durham as editor of The Daily Iowan in 1970 sparked controversy. Some members of the newspaper’s board of directors expressed concern that her political views would compromise the newspaper’s objectivity.

Leona Durham article

Supporters believed that she represented a needed shift toward advocacy journalism.

Leona Durham article

Durham served as editor during the 1970-71 school year.

Library dress code petition, 1970

In October 1970, women employees of the University’s library – and many male supporters – protested a dress code that prohibited women staff from wearing slacks or pantsuits in the workplace. The library administration relented and agreed to strike down the long-entrenched rules.