Following the cabinet meeting, Marguerite Rawalt and Honorable John Macy, Jr. highlighted the positive strides made in addressing issues related to women’s roles in the military and workforce. They emphasized the importance of promoting women’s contributions, especially in times of crisis such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. The committee members remained professional, advocating for women’s relevance to national security without succumbing to individual anger.

However, the committee’s optimism was tempered by a press conference where U.S. Cabinet representative John McCone claimed that the status of women was a low priority amid the pressing matters facing the government. The official asserted, “As we have a lot going right now, the status of women is at a low priority at the moment.” This disappointing declaration underscored the uphill battle the PCSW faces in securing recognition for women’s issues in the current political climate. The committee questions how America could be a powerhouse if women were marginalized and thus immobilized. This blow marks the second occasion where the U.S. government seemingly disregarded the PCSW.

The Presidential Committee on the Status of Women has released a press statement in response to the blatant disrespect of the Cabinet. “The Presidential Commission on the Status of Women condemns the actions of the US Cabinet and the statement made by the Director of the CIA. Director John McCone outwardly expressed the Cabinet’s disinterest in the rights of American women. During a press conference with the PCSW and US Senate, McCone stated that on the list of their priorities, our directives were very low. These directives detailed plans for empowering women in regards to the current state of our nation given the Cuban Missile Crisis. The PCSW would like to express their disappointment in our US Cabinet for not giving their support for half of the US population.”

The PCSW remains determined to uphold Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy, urging the government to recognize and prioritize the contributions of women to the nation’s well-being.

The press representative for the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women commented saying, “Additionally, our commission has been working towards creating legislative reforms that focus on educational opportunities…to ensure that these women are starting off with the right skill set.”

Women will have opportunities to be business owners and entrepreneurs unlike ever before. This crisis has brought on the guarantee of women in the workplace and to have equal freedoms.

This letter was drafted by Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson depicts the status of women in the eyes of the U.S. Cabinet and Vice President. This letter was in response to the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women after they proposed multiple resolutions to address the labor standards of women, women’s civic engagement, and women’s engagement in the ongoing Missile Crisis in Cuba. To highlight some of his sentiments, he stated that the sentiments of the PCSW were not priorities, and the administration does not have the time to address any of these issues.

The women in America should not take elements of this letter and be content. The women in America should take this letter as an opportunity to prove to their governmental representatives that their contributions to the public sphere are still relevant to embody the capitalist values of our society.

Letter from LBJ

Office of President John F. Kennedy

Washington D.C.
October 1962

_____________________________________________________________________________

October 1962, Washington D.C. –

While your input on policy has been appreciated previously. I have the unfortunate task of informing your commission that we currently cannot pursue your policies regarding women in the workplace. They may have some potential, but because of the events occurring in Cuba, the President does not have the time to review them.

Your commitment to our nation is admirable, and I have nothing but respect for Mrs. Roosevelt. However, while we struggle with a response to this crisis, we cannot spare any time to review this report. 

The Office of the Vice President of the United States of America

Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson

The letter, when delivered to Mrs. Roosevelt, the former first lady,  may have contributed to her death, it seemed to have caused her weak heart to give out. Unfortunately, she passed away later that night, and America lost a national treasure. Now the American people are faced with a decision, will we tolerate her death? Will we let Mr. Vice President Lyndon B Johnson gets away with his disregard for women or will we stand up to him? America stands true today, and America will stand strong tomorrow, with women behind it. 

Concerned American Citizen

Hon. Orville Freeman mentions how women can play a significant role in the Cold War between America and Cuba. We have men who are standing with women to want to help them become more active in American society. Working with other powerful women and men can help everyone achieve a common goal that they want, which is for women to have more roles within society.

As a group, the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women are working to see if they can introduce more women into the medical field, as well as the serving in the war if they so please. This would allow more empowerment within women, allowing them to be more confident to share their ideas; a critical perspective when considering the development of America.

Freeman also mentioned in an interview, “We believe that providing loans to women in entrepreneurship would enhance network and collaboration between women and those collaborations could be channeled into civic duties.”

Providing loans to allow women to be able to experience different professions will allow them to want to be more active in society. This is important because whether or not you need people to be more active in society, if they are not willing to do it, less people will want to be active in society.

Mary Bunting, recognizing the need for a decisive response, urged her fellow members to “put their foot down” and “take an assertive stance”. Despite the emotional toll of Eleanor Roosevelt’s death, the committee recognizes the need to remain professional and strategic. Key committee member John Macy Jr. emphasized the importance of honoring Eleanor’s legacy by continuing her life’s work and remaining diligent to create change for women’s rights.

The PCSW, determined not to give up on the progress Eleanor Roosevelt had fought for, stands united in their quest for justice and equal rights.

Miss Height emphasized the need to raise global awareness about the plight of black women, focusing on their struggles in the American labor force. Miss Height emphasized the Commission’s stance on empowering women, stating, “I would like to call upon all governments everywhere to notice a black woman of your country and uplift them, do not discriminate. Incorporate them into all sectors of society, make sure they are advocated, and that they are valued as they should be.”

Advocating for herself, Miss Height highlighted her valuable perspective as a black woman, aiming to ensure that the voices of black women were heard in high-level government discussions. The Commission’s strategy reflected a commitment to inclusivity and a recognition of the distinct challenges faced by black women.

The Senate and PCSW have been collaborating in an effort to improve the condition of women. Recognizing that motherly duties often hindered women’s progress, the Commission proposed universal daycare and preschool to strengthen the workforce and enable women’s education. Dr. Richard Lester, Chairman of the Economics Department at Princeton University, discussed the resolution’s impact on gender disparities, particularly the wage gap. In addition, New York representative Jessica Weis discussed how the Commission aims to encourage the establishment of an Equal Pay Act and anti-discrimination laws covering both gender and race.

While the Commission primarily has corresponded with the President through letters, their endorsement of policy changes marks a pivotal step toward gender equality. The comprehensive approach taken by the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women in 1962 is laying the foundation for subsequent advancements in women’s rights, recognizing women as a powerful force for national prosperity.

When questioned about his approach to the problem, Dr. Richard Lester, esteemed Chairman of the Economics Department at Princeton University, expressed his commitment to developing solutions that best serve the interests of all women, taking into account the diversity of their experiences and challenges. “We are here to support women in whatever they aspire to achieve,” he said. “Our goal is to create an environment where women can thrive in every aspect of their lives.”

The primary objectives of this effort include the establishment of robust labor standards
for women, promoting civic empowerment, and extending support to mothers and homemakers. With a notable emphasis on labor standards, as Lester is driven by his expertise as a labor economics professor, he aims to address issues related to workplace inequality and gender-based wage gaps. “We want to see real change in the lives of American women. This includes pushing for the Equal Pay/Wages Acts and reaching a consensus on decisions that will truly benefit all women across the nation,” commented the passionate committee member.

As the PCSW prepares to present its proposals to the President, their hopes are high for a future where women are empowered, protected, and provided with equal opportunities in every aspect of American life. With a legacy rooted in the ideals of justice and equality, this organization is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of women throughout the nation.