Samuel P. Goddard Papers

12th Governor of Arizona

Women's Rights

On May 18, 1965 Governor Goddard signed an executive order establishing a Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women “for the purpose of reviewing the problems of women in our democratic society and to make recommendations for constructive action to secure full equality of women in our state.”¹ The commission conducted studies and made recommendations in areas including employment practices and policies, political, civil and property rights and the legal treatment of these rights in relation to the differences applied to men and women. The commission also made suggestions for future services required for women who took on the roles of wife, mother and worker, which included day-care programs, education, home services, training and counseling.

Goddard was a strong and dedicated supporter of civil rights legislation and felt that along with minority groups, women should also be guaranteed equal treatment under the law. He made both issues a priority for his administration and signed both the Civil Rights Act and the executive order for the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Women within his first six months in office. Upon establishing the commission, Goddard said, “In the complex society rapidly developing around us, Arizona badly needs the fullest utilization of the abilities of all its citizens. Traditional attitudes limiting the participation of women cripple our efforts and represent an emotional luxury we cannot afford.” ²

¹ Press Release, March 25, 1965. Office of the Governor: S.P. Goddard 1965-1966, Box 55, File "Status of Women." RG 1 SG 19. Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records.

² Press Release, May 18, 1965. Office of the Governor: S.P. Goddard 1965-1966, Box 56, File "Gov S.P. Goddard Press Releases, April - May 1965." RG 1 SG 19. Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records.