Name Change
Bruce Petersen in a letter (Oct. 9) asked, “When is that sexist political organization going to change its name to the League of Voters?”
We assume he was referring to the League of Women Voters, although since we adopted our own equal rights amendment in 1974 granting full membership to men, “equal opportunity” would be a more accurate label for our organization than “sexist.”
As for changing our name, that question has been raised within the league often since 1974. Discussion at conventions has involved the legal complications which would result, and has usually been brought to a close by a male delegate’s argument in opposition, citing his pride in taking part in an organization whose name has received recognition and respect for 67 years.
As our national executive director, South Pasadena native Grant Thompson, said in a Times interview last year: “Basically, if you’re asking, ‘Why don’t we change our name?,’ the answer is, someday we might. But our name is so well-known . . . I’ve grown up knowing and loving the league for so long I would feel a sense of sorrow and nostalgia to see us change our name. And frankly I get kind of a zip out of telling people I work for the League of Women Voters.”
BETTY TROTTER
President
League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County
LOIS SAFFIAN
President
League of Women Voters City of Los Angeles
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
