Norton Sends Condolences to Family, Loved Ones of President Jimmy Carter

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today sent her condolences to the family and loved ones of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away yesterday at the age of 100. President Carter nominated Norton as the first woman to head the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 1977. She was confirmed and served as head of the Commission, where she enforced Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, barring job discrimination, until 1981.

“President Carter led a remarkable life, particularly after the end of his presidency. He was a model for how presidents can continue to make significant contributions after leaving the most powerful post in the world,” Norton said. “His earnest belief that America could be better, coupled with his expectation that it should be, inspired a nation. 

“In the year 1977 a woman had never led the EEOC, which is tasked with enforcing federal laws against job discrimination, including gender-based discrimination. President Carter’s action in appointing me as the first woman to lead the Commission helped reassure American women that existing federal protections against job discrimination applied equally to them.

“In his later life, President Carter’s enormous courage and resilience in the face of personal loss and illness cannot be doubted by anyone paying attention. I send my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during their time of mourning.”

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