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Feminist are up in arms about the Sewall-Belmont House honoring Laura Bush recently with their highest honor. Bush was given the Alice Award, creating a storm of protest.
22 former members of the museum’s board penned a letter to the museum to protest the Alice Award with Washington Post Sonia Pressman Fuentes leading the way. Fuentes, co-founder of the National Organization for Women, said, “When I read that the award was going to be given to Laura Bush, I felt as if I’d had a sudden onset of Alzheimer’s. I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
Fuentes explained that she isn’t complaining about Bush’s political affiliation; rather she is complaining because “she’s never done anything for women to get this award.”
Ironically, Fuentes has also pointed out that she wouldn’t give the award to President Obama or First Lady Michelle Obama, as they haven’t done much for women’s rights either.
As the National Council of Women’s Organizations has explained it,
“The Sewall-Belmont House and Museum celebrates women’s progress toward equality—and explores the evolving role of women and their contributions to society—through educational programs, tours, exhibits, research and publications.” – National Council of Women’s Organizations on the Mission of the Sewall-Belmont House
The Sewall-Belmont House has defended its choice. As Page Harrington said to Yeas & Nays, “As with any high-profile public figure, some people agree and some people disagree, and any choice of honoree will never please everyone all the time.”
