Today in Feminist History: 14th amendment passed

On July 28, 1868, the 14th Amendment officially became part of the US Constitution. The 14th amendment is best known for iterating that African-Americans were officially citizens, but it’s language about citizenship is actually quite broad. It also stipulates that people have the right to due process. From section one:

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

While we know women were not part of the political process at the time (except behind the scenes perhaps) the amendment is an extremely important part of history in terms of racial equity, something that affected everyone regardless of gender. It’s interesting to note that while it took almost 60 years for the 19th amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, to pass, the language of the 14th amendment is gender inclusive at it’s face.