(Woodbridge, VA) – Today, Jennifer Carroll Foy released a statement on the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote to remove the expired ratification deadline for the Equal Rights Amendment. Carroll Foy led the fight to ensure Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA.
“This step is a result of women coming together over decades, refusing to suffer in silence as we are discriminated against, paid less, and subjected to gender based violence. Virginians, and Americans across the country know that equality must apply to our daughters as well as our sons. Advancing the ERA will not only help women, and particularly women of color, achieve equal rights.
“I led the fight to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment here in Virginia – it was one of the proudest moments of my life. But it’s not lost on me that this fight has spanned multiple generations. I am so grateful to the brave advocates who came before me –– from Angela Davis to Ellie Smeal, Jennifer Neuwirth, Gloria Steinem to Carol Jenkins, and so many more.
“I’ll take my lifelong fight for gender equality to the Governor’s mansion. Let’s keep pushing for true equality, together. With Congress’ vote today, we can take one major step closer.”
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Jennifer Carroll Foy has dedicated her life to service. As one of the first women to graduate from Virginia Military Institute, a former foster mom, a magistrate judge, and public defender, Jennifer has embodied the ideals of community, honor and commitment in every facet of her life. During her time in the legislature, Jennifer led the way on the Equal Rights Amendment, proudly supported the successful fight to expand Medicaid to over 500,000 Virginians, and passed a budget that includes a 3% salary increase for teachers. She is a proud mother to twin three year olds, and wife to her husband Jeff, who she met her first week at VMI.