"White Women" Washroom Sign
Artifact IDMO 78.183.3
Object Type
Sign
Date
ca. 1960
Medium
Metal, enamel
DimensionsOverall H 2 1/2 in x W 10 in (6.4 cm x 25.4 cm )
Physical DescriptionWhite metal sign with "WHITE WOMEN" written across it in enamel blue lettering; rectangular shape with rounded ends.
Historical NoteThis sign, a relic of Jim Crow-era segregation the Southern United States, originally hung over a women's restroom designated for whites only in order to prevent African-American women from using the facilities. The so-called "separate but equal" doctrine had been upheld in a blatantly racist decision by the U.S. Supreme court (Plessy v. Ferguson, 1896) that legalized discrimination in facilities for generations.
Public bathrooms figured largely in African-American civil rights struggles for racial integration in the workplace and in schools in the years following World War II. It was not until 1964 that discriminatory practices and segregation in public accommodations based on race was ended by passage of the Civil Rights Act, legislation that was originally proposed by President Kennedy. Although no longer legally segregated by race, the use of restrooms continues to be heatedly debated today based on class, race, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Additional DetailsPublic bathrooms figured largely in African-American civil rights struggles for racial integration in the workplace and in schools in the years following World War II. It was not until 1964 that discriminatory practices and segregation in public accommodations based on race was ended by passage of the Civil Rights Act, legislation that was originally proposed by President Kennedy. Although no longer legally segregated by race, the use of restrooms continues to be heatedly debated today based on class, race, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Custodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by a private citizen in 1978.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Set Charles Momjian
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost Presidential Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
On view