First introduced in 1923, the Equal Rights Movement was an outgrowth from the Women's Suffrage amendment adopted in 1920. ERA was passed by the House of Representatives in 1971 and the Senate in 1972. Voting rights for women had to be secured on a state by state ratification process, spanning 72 years before it was finally secured in all of the states.
From the guide to the Home Economics Records, U 92. 3., 1952-1981 and undated, (Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, Texas Tech University)
When Texas Technological College opened in 1925, the School of Home Economics boasted enrollment of 78 students, three staff persons, and was composed of the department of Clothing and Design and the department of Foods and Nutrition. The school was one of the four original units of Texas Technological College, and grew to include over 19 faculty members by 1955. The faculty even taught art courses until an art department was later established in 1927. Under the strong leadership of its former deans, the College of Human Sciences grew in both size and reputation.
The debate to change the name from "the School of Home Economics" to "the College of Human Sciences" was roughly two years in the making. Officially becoming the College of Human Sciences on January 1, 1993, the college held a six-day "Celebrating the Challenge of Change" event with several noted speakers, presentations and dedications.
From the guide to the College of Human Sciences Records, U 261. 1., 1925-1998, (Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, Texas Tech University)
