Archivist and Deputy Archivist - ERA cannot be ratified

[HereForTheParty]

Statement on the Equal Rights Amendment Ratification Process
Media Alert ·
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Washington, DC


Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan and Deputy Archivist William J. Bosanko released the following statement today on the Equal Rights Amendment and the constitutional responsibilities for administering the ratification process:

“As Archivist and Deputy Archivist of the United States, it is our responsibility to uphold the integrity of the constitutional amendment process and ensure that changes to the Constitution are carried out in accordance with the law. At this time, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) cannot be certified as part of the Constitution due to established legal, judicial, and procedural decisions.

“In 2020 and again in 2022, the Office of Legal Counsel of the U.S. Department of Justice affirmed that the ratification deadline established by Congress for the ERA is valid and enforceable. The OLC concluded that extending or removing the deadline requires new action by Congress or the courts. Court decisions at both the District and Circuit levels have affirmed that the ratification deadlines established by Congress for the ERA are valid. Therefore, the Archivist of the United States cannot legally publish the Equal Rights Amendment. As the leaders of the National Archives, we will abide by these legal precedents and support the constitutional framework in which we operate.

“The role of the Archivist of the United States is to follow the law as it stands, ensuring the integrity of our nation’s governing institutions. Personal opinion or beliefs are not relevant; as the leaders of the National Archives, we support established legal processes and decisions.

“We will continue to serve with transparency and integrity as we move forward in addressing this and all matters related to our Constitution.”

https://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2025/nr25-004

[maxsolomon]

1. I didn't vote for no Archivist

So they ain't the final word!

[onenote]

8. You didn't vote for the Supreme Court -- but they will be the final word

You also didn't vote for any of the judges who have repeatedly rejected the argument that the ERA is part of the Constitution.

[maxsolomon]

9. Nope. I know this is a lost cause.

Trying some gallows humor to alleviate the horror.

The Archivist (and the Parliamentarian) really stick in my craw though.

[DJ Synikus Makisimus]

2. Equal rights are un-American.

[Think. Again.]

4. I'm not sure you actually needed the sarcasm thingy.

[DJ Synikus Makisimus]

7. You're probably correct. (n/t)

[Think. Again.]

3. Yeah, we knew the deadline passed when it passed.

[ck4829]

5. I'm sure they'll say the same though when Trump and Republicans "encourage" them that it's time for a

constitutional convention.

[Oopsie Daisy]

6. Oh well. Who needs those stupid equal rights anyway?

?si=UglPeCWJ-i2qpVk1