The AAUW will be hosting a presentation on the amendment at the Marvin House, 2 W. Fifth St., on Thursday at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and attendees will hear from public speakers, which are the two candidates for the region’s seat in the state Assembly, Andrew Molitor and Michael Bobseine.

Kathleen Stanton, AAUW branch president, said the presentation event is something that the AAUW wanted to do as the Equal Rights Amendment connects to the organization’s mission.

“AAUW is an organization that supports equity for women in education, at work and all aspects of our lives,” Stanton said. “We knew that the NYS ERA would be on the ballot this November and yet, there is not a lot of media coverage of it. Thinking back to our mission, the AAUW works to advance gender and education equality for girls through advocacy. It is important for ERA to be recognized as a part of the Constitution, as gender equality is not there.”

Stanton added that it was important to educate the local community as they move forward toward election day. When it comes to ERA, Stanton noted that it is one of the rare times that both the state Senate and Assembly passed a concurrent resolution and it will now be on the ballot in November.

OBSERVER File Photo The NYS Equal Rights Amendment presentation will be held at the Marvin House on Sept 5.

“It should be noted that the AAUW does not endorse political candidates or parties,” Stanton said. “Rather, we are interested in the lives of women and as life-long learners, we endeavor to provide opportunities for education and awareness. This presentation will provide community members the opportunity to learn about the amendment. The NYS constitution contains protections prohibiting discrimination based on race and religion. As voters, we need to understand why other classifications, including gender, are not delineated in the constitution.”

Both Molitor and Bobseine will speak for 15 minutes at the presentation about state Equal Rights Amendment, followed by the opportunity for a question-and-answer session. Stanton said this will include index cards, and give the audience the opportunity to ask the two speakers questions to help understand ERA better.

“The Marvin House is a wonderful place to host events for women’s organizations, and it’s always fun to go there,” Stanton said. “I am also excited to see their new flooring. We are always welcoming new members to AAUW Jamestown, so check us out on our website and get involved.”

For more information visit jamestown-ny.aauw.net.