Nearly two hundred people attended an event at the Eastern District Courthouse on March 11 to mark Women’s History Month, with additional participants joining remotely. The gathering featured a panel of law school deans and professors who discussed the evolution of women’s legal rights from the Declaration of Independence to today.
The panel included Loyola Law Dean Madeline Landrieu, LSU Law Dean Caprice Roberts, Tulane Law Dean Marcilynn Burke, Tulane Law Professor Saru Matambanadzo, and Loyola Law Professor Courtney Turkington. They examined topics such as women’s status in 1776 when the Declaration was written, changes in employment laws affecting women, developments in property rights for women, and shifts in voting and political participation. The discussion also covered historical regulations related to reproductive rights.
A group discussion led by Chloé Chetta concluded the presentations. Organizers said that both in-person attendance and virtual participation reflected strong interest in how legal protections for women have changed over time.
The event aimed to provide historical context for ongoing conversations about gender equality under the law. By tracing centuries of legal change affecting women’s lives and opportunities, speakers highlighted how past developments continue to influence current debates about civil rights.
Looking ahead, organizers indicated that similar events may be held during future Women’s History Month observances to further explore these issues.
