Waske awarded essay contest scholarship
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Ella Waske placed second in our district for the Iowa Bar Association essay contest. Daniel Showalter sponsorered Waske, and she is receiving a $500 scholarship.
Ella Waske is receiving a $500 scholarship as a result of participating in the Iowa Bar Association essay contest. Daniel Showalter at Mount Ayr Community High School sponsorered Waske, and she placed second in District 5B behind Natalia Zimmerman, who was awarded first place.
The Sesquicentennial Celebration Essay Contest was sponsored by the Iowa State Bar Foundation on behalf of The Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) in recognition of its 150th year.
The essay was designed to give Iowa high school students an opportunity to express creative ideas and concepts, conduct research, and think critically about the importance of the role of law in their personal lives, communities, and the State of Iowa.
This year, twenty one students were selected from seven essay contest districts across the state. First and second place in each district were awarded scholarships.
The essay Waske submitted is being published in it’s entirety.
Arabella Mansfield
By Ella Waske
The story of Arabella Mansfield and her court case represents an important event in the fight for women’s rights not only in Iowa but in the United States as a whole. Mansfield was born in 1846 in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. She challenged the prevailing norms of her era and became a trailblazer in the fight for women’s rights; she was the first female lawyer in Iowa and the United States.
Her case before the Iowa Supreme Court in 1869 was a pivotal moment for women in law it helped to open doors for future generations of women in all fields.
In the mid-1800s, women were pushed into traditional fields and expected to be homemakers and caregivers. They had little opportunity for careers and when they did work outside the home, they were limited to things like seamstresses, teachers, and maids.
The law profession was no different, a male-dominated field with very few women in any capacity and no women who were lawyers. Nevertheless, the women’s suffrage movement gained momentum during this time period, and women began challenging the long-held social norms.
Arabella Mansfield emerged as a leader and symbol for the women’s rights movement. Arabella was born in 1846 on a family farm in Des Moines County, Iowa. She later moved to Mount Pleasant where she finished secondary school, then in 1862 she began attending Iowa Wesleyan College. Mansfield graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1866 at a time when going to college as a woman was almost unheard of; in college, she was incredibly successful and, she was known for her intellect and determination.
Inspired by her success in school and her passion for law, she sought to take the bar exam. However, at the time, the Iowa law stated that only white male citizens could take the bar exam. Mansfield, would not let this stop her though she became determined to change the status quo.
In 1869, Mansfield appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court for permission to take the bar exam, arguing that the code was discriminatory. She was met with extreme resistance, but ultimately, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Mansfield’s case. At the time, this was unheard of; no woman had ever applied for the bar exam in Iowa, and the court had to confront the issue of gender discrimination within the current legal framework.
Mansfield based her argument on the principle right to equality and justice, her argument challenged some of the country’s long-held beliefs. She argued that denying her the opportunity to take the bar exam was not only a violation of her rights but also contradicted the ideals of a democratic society and what this country was founded on.
The case drew a large amount of publicity becoming a symbol of hope for the larger struggle for women’s rights and equality not only for women but for other groups facing discrimination.
The Iowa Supreme Court ruled in Mansfield’s favor allowing her to take the bar exam.
The decision to allow her in was groundbreaking not only for Mansfield herself but for women’s equality in general. It recognized the rights of women to pursue legal careers in Iowa and set the groundwork for other states and professions to follow.
Mansfield passed the bar exam with flying colors and became the first woman in the United States to be admitted to the practice of law. Mansfield’s victory was more than just a personal victory; it was a victory for all women and those fighting for their rights. Mansfield inspired more women to pursue careers in law. This challenged the deeply en-grained norms of the time period all over the world. The norms that had previously limited women’s opportunities were now being shown to be flawed and unjust.
Mansfield’s case had a profound impact on the fight for equality, after Mansfield’s victory and admission into the field, women began entering legal jobs in increasing numbers. This led to the establishment of women’s law associations and organizations to support female lawyers.
Furthermore, Mansfield’s case was an important moment in the women’s rights movement as a whole. It served as an inspiration and example for the advocacy of women’s rights and many other forms of equality.
The decision demonstrated the importance of challenging discriminatory laws, practices, and ideals. Encouraging women to assert their rights in more areas of life.
The case generated momentum for the movement and contributed to the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, giving women the right to vote.
Mansfield also used her influence beyond the legal field. She became an active member of the women’s suffrage movement and advocated for educational reforms.
She served as a professor of law and was involved in organizations promoting women’s rights and legal education. Her work helped to normalize women attending law school and practicing law, paving the way for future female lawyers.
In conclusion, the case of Arabella Mansfield before Iowa’s Supreme Court is a testament to the importance and greatness of Iowa law. As well as a remarkable example of courage and the quest for justice.
Mansfield embodies the American principles of hard work and determination, showing us that the little guy can win. By challenging the legal barriers that restricted women from entering the legal profession, Mansfield not only changed her own life but also transformed what was possible for other women in law.
Her legacy continues to inspire and empower women to pursue careers in law and other fields that were once only for men. As our society continues to move forward toward greater equality, the contributions of pioneers such as Mansfield show us the importance of challenging injustice and advocating for ourselves and others. Her case serves as an example of hard work, determination, and relentlessness.
In a time when more women are taking on leadership roles, the foundation laid by Mansfield is more important than ever. The steps towards a more equal world made since her historic case and admission to the bar show not only the progress already made in women’s rights but also the ongoing struggle and progress for equality that continues today.
