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Suffragists Protest Outside White House, 1917
Debate Comparison

The White House as Symbol and Target

Families of 9/11 victims used the White House as a backdrop to bring attention to their cause. This strategy – used from suffragists to students – begs the question: How do you preserve the dignity of the White House while providing a meaningful space to ask for change?

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Duration
60-90 minutes
Topic(s)
  • National Security
  • Politics
  • Protests
  • Women's Rights
Grade(s)
  • 9-12
  • College/University

You're Exploring Freedom of Action

Do you have to respect the White House?

HISTORICAL ORIGINS
One of the many picket lines suffragists organized outside of the White House in 1917.
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1917: Suffragists Target the White House

When woman suffrage advocates become the first group to directly target the White House, they provoke jeers, condemnation, confusion and praise.

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CONTEMPORARY CONSIDERATIONS

2014: Securing a Symbol

In this midst of a security scare, students tie themselves to the White House fence to stage an attention-getting protest.

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