1987 Landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision opens doors for women in Rotary
Posted by Michael Mullin
on Nov 10, 2010
In 1987, the Supreme Court made a landmark decision in Board of Directors of Rotary International v. Rotary Club of Duarte, CA (7-0, 2 abstentions) to opens the door for women in Rotary. Susan Mackert is 1st in Saint Cloud – Marilyn Sutton is 2nd in 1987 – Susan is thought to have been the first Rotarian worldwide to give birth. Don’t know if this editor counted accurately but there are currently twenty-six (26) women – 22% of the Club.
In his opening ceremony/ educational moment, President Dave recalled and heralded the arrival of women in Rotary more than 23 years ago. Myron Hall sponsored Susan Mackert (Marketing) and a few weeks later Kent Bolsta sponsored Marilyn Sutton (Remodeling). Thus did the Rotary Club of Saint Cloud evolve out of the Byzantine era. It was a fitting tribute since Annette Atkins was to later take the podium as a distinguished local historian.
The finding of the High Court was that Rotary was not an exclusive, intimate, self-selected membership and that it was instead a public or quasi-public group. Therefore, the usual protections afforded freedom of association and the privacy of friendships were not relevant. The Court found Rotary to be more like a public association than a private club. Thus Augusta can do whatever it wants, but not Rotary.
The finding of the High Court was that Rotary was not an exclusive, intimate, self-selected membership and that it was instead a public or quasi-public group. Therefore, the usual protections afforded freedom of association and the privacy of friendships were not relevant. The Court found Rotary to be more like a public association than a private club. Thus Augusta can do whatever it wants, but not Rotary.