Clarke, Elizabeth, fl. 1980-1998

Elizabeth Clarke, a resident of Lake Forest, Illinois, served on the Illinois Commission on the Status of Women and its successor, the Citizens Council on Women. Both councils reported to the Illinois General Assembly on issues important to women, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, employment discrimination, health and welfare.  She often worked alongside Phyllis Schlafly from a more conservative minority position on these committees; their recommendations were regularly filed as a “minority report” and reflect some criticisms of the feminist movement while still advocating for the welfare of women in general.

From the guide to the Elizabeth Clarke Collection, 1980-1998, (Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections)