As Women’s History Month begins, students and faculty plan to recognize the historical accomplishments of women, but also the challenges faced in the contemporary climate.
The National Women’s History Museum said 1987 marked the first year for WHM, after Congress passed Public Law 100-9 and requested President Jimmy Carter to authorize the month publicly. Since this historical moment, women have continued to pave the way for future generations, inspiring several individuals.
The Women’s Center at OU opened in 2007 to promote an inclusive environment for women in faculty, staff, Bobcat and Athens resident positions. The center’s staff hopes to advocate for not only women, but “gender and diversity” through an “intersectional lens.”
The National Women's History Alliance declared the national 2025 theme as “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” with the goal to “inspire future generations” through women’s education, instruction and power.
“The theme really just speaks to everyone collectively coming together to understand everyone’s differences and perspectives and how we can collectively inspire campus and communities to … have open dialogue,” Letitia Price, assistant director of the Women’s Center, said.
The International Women's Day symposium, Women in Gaming night and the faculty and staff “Paint n’ Pour” are just a few of the events taking place throughout the month.
Price said the WHM kickoff event March 1, EmpowerHer, was in collaboration with the Black Student Cultural Programming Board and offered a powerful keynote speech, live performances, student panels and giveaway prizes up to $1,000.
“It is an event that really sets the tone,” Price said. “What I think this work really represents is people, everyone coming together … and more increasingly presenting themselves in a really creative way.”
Although a plethora of OU students, locals and faculty may commemorate the month with these exciting events, others are discussing its importance amid the diversity, equity and inclusion restrictions nationwide.
As the conversation regarding Senate Bill 1 escalates in Athens and other neighboring college towns, students, faculty and locals continue to showcase their frustration with the bill’s restrictions. On Thursday, Alumni Gateway was packed with protesters of all ages who took action with posters and passionate chants.
SB 1 bans “inclusion centers,” “removes DEI related scholarships” and “prohibits faculty from striking,” as claimed in the “Take Action Demand Change” document used to spread word of the strike and offer resources.
The protest was organized by “a group of three masters students,” according to a previous Post report released on March 2. The protest was promoted through social media and posters in academic buildings, spreading the word fast and encouraging people to take a stand.
The Women’s Center falls under the umbrella of inclusion centers, not only putting the month’s message at risk, but also the jobs of faculty and students. Alexis Medley, a junior studying psychology, is the Student Senate Women’s Affairs Commissioner and advocates for women’s rights.
“I have always been super invested in women’s issues,” Medley said. “I have spoken publicly on reproductive rights and better access to women’s health care at a few events, but I never really had an opportunity to do hands-on work with women on campus.”
Medley said the SB 1 restrictions pose an effect on WHM, and celebrating women’s and other affected organization’s accomplishments is vital amid this challenging time.
“The biggest thing is we could lose the Women’s Center,” Medley said. “It is a place that does so much for female identifying students on campus, and it provides a safe space for so many people … and I think right now it is our turn to support them while they navigate this uncertainty.”
Maddock Carrasquillo, a junior studying communication studies, said respecting and advocating for minority groups is crucial to maintain an inclusive environment.
“I think it's really important that we uplift every community, but especially women because we all come from women,” Carrasquillo said.
Students, faculty, staff and Athens residents interested in supporting WHM are encouraged to attend the Women’s Center events, all of which are free but may require registration.
“I know we are in for a fight, but it is more important now than ever to keep celebrating,” Medley said. “In a time where our voices are trying to be silenced in seemingly any way possible … we need to stand up and show that we are absolutely not going to be quiet.”
