Phyllis Schlafly
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1924 - Phyllis Schlafly was a prominent conservative figure who led a successful campaign against the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s. She was known for her opposition to feminist ideals, abortion, and gay rights and for promoting "family values" as a cornerstone of conservative politics.
In her early life, Schlafly attended a catholic high school, went to Washington University, and then attended Harvard University for her Master's degree. She then joined the conservative think tank American Enterprise Institute and published her book: "A Choice Not an Echo".
Regarding the Equal Rights Amendment, Schlafly gained recognition for her efforts in stopping the ratification of the ERA through her campaign, "STOP ERA." She claimed that the ERA would take away privileges and benefits that women currently enjoyed, such as an exemption from mandatory military service, the "dependent wife" clause granting widows social security benefits, and preference in custody battles given to mothers. Schlafly's influence on American politics, particularly with conservatives, continues to be felt to this very day.
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