In 1975, Eastern Michigan University introduced its first Women’s Studies program, becoming the first university in Michigan to include a minor in Women’s Studies.
Over the past 50 years, the program has grown significantly, now offering a major, minor, and the only master’s degree program in the state. It has also expanded into Women’s and Gender Studies (WAGS), incorporating a broader perspective on gender issues. For half a century, these classes have empowered students to advocate for causes they believe in, including reproductive rights, domestic violence awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality.
To celebrate this milestone, the Women’s and Gender Studies program invited Congresswoman Haley Stevens to speak on campus on March 7, 2025.
The event, held in the McKenny Ballroom, was packed with advocates of all ages supporting the growing program.
EMU President James Smith opened the event.
“Congresswoman Stevens is not the only esteemed speaker that WAGS has hosted at EMU: Gloria Steinem, Maya Angelou, five other members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and many more have inspired students at Eastern to reach for their goals and fight for equality," said Smith.
He spoke about his passion for minority rights and how improving the Women’s and Gender Studies program could strengthen the entire community.
He also emphasized the importance of combining academic learning with practical experience and career readiness, a goal WAGS is currently focusing on.
“We know who we are, we know who Eastern is, and we need to speak loudly,” said Smith.
Following the opening remarks, Congresswoman Stevens participated in a fireside chat-style interview.
She described herself as “a believer in STEM from top to bottom."
“I support women in STEM careers and women in nontraditional careers," said Stevens.
She explained how her passion for history and philosophy sparked her interest in public service, and how Philosophy courses helped her understand the deeper meaning behind policy.
“I was inspired to make change in my community,” said Stevens.
Stevens wasn’t always planning on running for Congress, but she said a friend inspired her.
"One day, a good friend called me and said she saw a posting about running, and she thought I’d be good for it. I thought if he [Donald Trump] can become president, maybe I can be in Congress,” said Stevens.
In 2018, Stevens, along with 35 other women, was elected into congress. That year remains the most women to ever win House seats in a single election.
"Women just ran and won," said Stevens. "They didn’t just run on women’s issues, because all issues are women's issues. They ran on the merit of their talent.”
After her election, Stevens worked to address the gender gap in STEM fields. On December 24, 2019, President Donald Trump signed the Building Blocks of STEM Act into law.
“Six years ago, that wasn’t a controversial thing, and it still shouldn’t be,” said Stevens.
Stevens also offered advice to the students in the room.
“What we have to do is be sneaky and crafty," said Stevens. "Con the conman.”
She recalled how, in her district, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center Affirmations needed funding, but knew the government would resist anything LGBTQ-related.
“I said there’s an essential center in my community that needed some infrastructure funds, and they just did it," said Stevens.
She encouraged the EMU community to support each other and check in on their neighbors. She also stressed the importance of mentorship, both as a mentor and a mentee.
“It doesn’t have to be a suffocating thing; it can just be a suggestion,” said Stevens.
To celebrate the work that Women’s and Gender Studies is currently doing at EMU, two students were asked to speak at this conference.
Gabby Griffin, a sophomore majoring in Psychology and minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies, shared some of her experiences.
“My classes in WAGS have helped me understand the balance of power and how patriarchy affects everyone," said Griffin. "I am so grateful for the mentorship Women’s and Gender Studies has given me.”
Griffin, who has a paid internship through the WAGS program, encouraged donations to support such opportunities.
“Every student at EMU, regardless of program, should gain experience in their field outside of the classroom," said Griffin.
Jesse John, a senior Presidential Scholar majoring in Psychology with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies, is the founder of Changing the Cycle at EMU, a program that provides free menstrual products in all campus bathrooms.
Funded by grants for the past few years, John announced that next year, Changing the Cycle will be fully funded by Eastern Michigan University.
“Knowledge is never neutral," said John. "It can challenge oppression and change the status quo. Do something with it.”
The event concluded with remarks from Dr. Rhonda Longworth and Dr. Daryl Barton, who shared their personal experiences at EMU.
Longworth recalled being told it was impossible to have a loving relationship, be a good mother, and have a career all at once.
“At EMU, I was supported in all of the personal and career choices I made,” said Longworth.
Longworth has spent 31 years at EMU, advocating for a stronger Women’s and Gender Studies program.
Barton, who was involved in the very first discussions about the program 50 years ago, remembered when the entire department fit in a single file cabinet.
“I’ve been here from day one,” said Barton. “We all supported each other, and we did it all for free, which caught the administration’s attention.”
She expressed pride in the program.
“It’s been 50 years, but we are still new," said Barton. "This program is just beginning.”
