Florida State University Libraries Electronic Theses, Treatises and Dissertations The Graduate School 2013 Religion, Sex & Politics: The Story of the Equal Rights Amendment in Florida Laura E. Brock Follow this and additional works at the FSU Digital Library. For more information, please contact [email protected] THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES RELIGION, SEX & POLITICS: THE STORY OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT IN FLORIDA By LAURA E. BROCK A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Religion in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Degree Awarded: Summer Semester, 2013 Copyright © 2013 Laura E. Brock All Rights Reserved Laura E. Brock defended this dissertation on June 24, 2013. The members of the supervisory committee were: Amanda Porterfield Professor Directing Dissertation Deana A. Rohlinger University Representative John Corrigan Committee Member John Kelsay Committee Member The Graduate School has verified and approved the above-named committee members, and certifies that the dissertation has been approved in accordance with university requirements. ii This dissertation is dedicated to my mother, Ruth Brock (1932 – 2010), my father, Roy Brock, and my brother, Caleb Brock. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am grateful to the dozens of people who encouraged and helped me complete this project while I worked full-time and spent every spare minute researching and writing. The bright world of scholarship at Florida State University has enriched my life immeasurably and I owe a debt of gratitude to those who embody that world. My deepest thanks go to my advisor, Amanda Porterfield, for guiding me through this project after expanding my mind and intellect in so many positive ways. Her brilliance and wisdom are delightfully a part of her perpetually optimistic outlook. I never would have finished without Amanda’s encouragement and support. My committee was extremely helpful throughout my years of study. John Corrigan taught me to write better, think critically, and intellectually expand. His passion for knowledge and continually engaging new areas of study fueled my own desire for learning. John Kelsay has guided me and patiently listened to me ask questions since we met in 1994. I am grateful for his breadth of knowledge and scholarship. Deana Rohlinger continues to challenge and teach me since I participated in her seminar in 2008. She is the consummate scholar with an ability to impart a passion for the subjects that she teaches. Amy Koehlinger, who was part of my committee until she was lured away by another university, was a helpful guide to my studies. She helped me to think through topics in American religious history in a comprehensive way, and was a great encourager. I also would also like to thank the Religion Department staff present and past – Jon Bridges, Susan Stetson, and Susan Minnerly, for their invaluable assistance. I never would have made it through comps or the dissertation without my student colleagues who spent hours at Crispers working as a writing group to make scholarship a collective enterprise rather than a completely solitary endeavor: Molly Reed, Cara Burnidge, Tammy Heise, and Brooke Sherrard. I am grateful for their support and friendship throughout iv our years together. Warm appreciation goes to Molly, specifically, for the many encouraging texts she sent to keep me sane throughout this process. This project would never have been completed without the close constant spiritual companionship of my friends. A special thanks that goes beyond words to Kathy Mears who encouraged me every step of the way on this dissertation. Her clear mind, calm spirit, fervent prayers, and kind soul kept me on track and helped me finish this project. For reading through and editing my manuscript, my gratitude goes to my dear friend Dee Beranek, who journeyed with me on in this long endeavor, even as she faced her own life challenges. She helped me to stay cool and focused. Dee always knew exactly what to say to help me persevere. Myra Hurt provided support, encouragement, and counsel. She knew exactly when to commiserate and when to say: “Snap out of it!” Therese Lysaught is the spiritual companion that I met online as I purchased books for this scholarly endeavor ten years ago. She has been a gift from God and has walked with me throughout this project, providing encouragement and assistance in every aspect of the dissertation. My gratitude also goes to Alicia Crew and Janet Stoner whose constant encouragement kept me balanced and determined to finish this project. They made sure to get me out on the golf course now and then, ignoring the fact that my golf game was more of a “soil sampling” enterprise. A warm thanks goes to my ex-husband and dear friend, Jerry Price. He walked with me throughout this long academic journey and offered support and encouragement. It is difficult to express the depth of my appreciation for his friendship and love. Other friends who encouraged me were the YaYa sisterhood, Elsie Crowell, Alma Littles, JoAnne Graf, Laura Doran, Barb Harris, Pat Martin, Gayle Nelson, Murdina Campbell, Carol Hart, Betty Steffens, Beverly Frick, Susan Wilson, Tina White, Margaret Edwards, Carol Swanson, and Cynthia Tunnicliff. Margaret Lynn Duggar shared stories, gave me memorabilia, and urged me onward. v This project also would not have been completed in a timely manner without the support from my boss, Dean John Fogarty, M.D., of the Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine, who graciously granted me a three-month professional development leave of absence. He has also supported my growth and development as a writer and scholar. Former bosses also graciously encouraged my scholarship, including former FSU President T.K. Wetherell, and former House of Representatives’ Speaker (and current Congressman) Daniel Webster. I wish to acknowledge the gracious aid I received from archivists and librarians in the State Archives of Florida and the Green Library at Florida International University. My special appreciation to Anne MacKenzie who as director of the Florida Legislative Research Center and Museum provided me with oral histories of legislators involved in the ERA battle. She also told me her own ERA stories, experienced firsthand as a legislative aide and as a legislator. I appreciate the various conversations I have had with many current and former legislators, legislative staff members, lobbyists, and news reporters in the state capitol who generously shared their ERA memories and time with me so I could tell their story in my own way. My thanks and admiration go to Faye Culp, Sandi Harris, Martha Barnett, Patsy Eccles, Fely Curva, Steve Wilkerson, LuMarie Polivka-West, Kathy Betancourt, Dale Patchett, Jim Tillman, Sam Bell, Terry Meek, John Phelps, Karen Woodall, Larry Polivka, Bob Ward, Martin Dyckman, Mary Ann Lindley, John Van Gieson, and Linda Becker. And Senator Ed Price, who shared many memories. In a similar vein, there was an FSU cohort of supporters who offered encouragement, including TaWanda DuRant, Donna McHugh, Bob Bradley, Kathleen Daly, Lee Hinkle, Cheryl Bakker, Nancy Marcus, Cecile Reynaud, Billie Jo Jones, Jan Wells, Carol Weissert, Doris Gray, and Steve MacNamara. Special thanks to Mary Coburn for her advice and counsel on how to survive and finish the project without forgetting the importance of spirituality. vi Additional members of the FSU academic community – my public policy heroes – Governor Reubin Askew and President Emeritus Sandy D’Alemberte were kind to converse with me throughout this project. Not only did they care about my scholarship, but also each of them offered personal encouragement about my life direction. I am grateful to know such statesmen and will forever be inspired by the example of leadership they have provided in Florida’s history. While the people named above provided support, encouragement, and material resources during the research and writing process, any errors within the dissertation are mine alone. I am grateful to have known Elaine Gordon, who inspired this dissertation. She befriended me, although I was a young Republican, and taught me the value of passionate advocacy, leaving a lasting impression on my life. Special gratitude goes to Senator Nan Rich, former member of the legislature for 12 years, 2014 gubernatorial candidate, and friend since we met in 1996 when I was sent to Broward County to “keep and eye on” the Broward Health and Human Services Board. She was part of the ERA effort and is a life-long advocate with the goal of tikkun olam, no matter what organizational hat she wears. Nan has been a wonderful supporter and conversation partner in the writing of this dissertation. She and her husband, David, continue to be an inspiration to me. Throughout my entire graduate school experience I have had the support of my family. My mother, Ruth Brock, was able to see me pass my comprehensive exams before she passed away; my father, Roy Brock, has been my biggest fan and encourager as he read dissertation chapters; and my brother Caleb cheered me onward with reassuring words throughout the process. My love for them is beyond words. I am grateful for their presence in my life, and dedicate this dissertation to them. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. ix List of Figures .................................................................................................................................