ms. griffis at the meeting of american historians in providence, rhode island. this is about 15 minutes. >> chelsea griffis, for those who have forgotten or never knew, what is the equal rights amendment? ms. griffis: a failed constitutional amendment that would have legally fought equality for men and women, regardless of sex. it was originally introduced in 1923 by alice paul. people might know her from the national woman's party, a radical suffrage group. during the 1910's especially, she brought it forth to greater stabilize political equality between men and women. for the 1920's, it was something unfathomable to most people. it was brought up again between the 1920's and 1970's, but never really got much credit. it did not go farther than any congressional committees. to a lot ofthanks work in the house and senate, it got brought up for ratification in 1972 to be sent to the states, yes or no, do we want this added to the u.s. constitution? >> how have you focused your research? griffis: my research looks at broadly defined conservative women. some such as