April 20, 2021

The Minnesota Chapter of the National Organization for Women (Minnesota NOW) mourns the loss of former United States Vice President Walter Mondale.

Walter Mondale was a champion for civil rights, women’s rights, and human rights.

During his time as Attorney General of the State of Minnesota, he helped organize the States’ Attorneys General amicus brief in support of the right of indigent defendants in all criminal cases to be appointed lawyers in the Gideon v. Wainwright decision of U.S. Supreme Court.

During his time in the U.S. Senate, he supported desegregation of schools, was the chief sponsor of the Fair Housing Act, helped pass the Equal Rights Amendment, and championed more Congressional oversight of the CIA and FBI through his work on the Church Committee.

During his campaign for President of the United States, he selected former U.S. Representative Geraldine Ferraro as his Vice Presidential running-mate – the first time a woman was on a major party’s ticket. This selection helped blaze a path for Hillary Clinton’s campaigns for President in 2008 and 2016, as well as Kamala Harris becoming the first woman Vice President this year.

Minnesota NOW is thankful for all that Walter Mondale did in his life to expand liberty, ensure justice and promote equality.

Walter Mondale’s most important contribution to Minnesota, the United States and the World is that he treated people with respect. In these times, we all need more people to have this quality.

Minnesota sends its heartfelt condolences to Walter Mondale’s family.
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Contact: Minnesota NOW President Mariquita Anderson, pres[at]mnnow[dot]org