Hicks, Louise Day (1916–2003)
Hicks, Louise Day (1916–2003)
American politician. Born Anna Louise Day, Oct 16, 1916, in Boston, MA; died in South Boston, Oct21, 2003; dau. of William J. (lawyer) and Anna McCarron Day; graduate of Wheelock Teacher's College, 1938; Boston University, BS, 1952, law degree, 1955; m. John Hicks (engineer), 1942 (died 1968); children: William and John.
Admitted to Massachusetts bar (1959); became counsel for Boston Juvenile Court (1960); elected to Boston school committee (1961); during turbulent years of the civil-rights movement, garnered national attention when, in opposition to Washington's effort to desegregate schools, became a staunch foe of integration by busing(1963); as chair of school committee (1965), held fast to her position even when faced with a Massachusetts law that deprived local jurisdictions of sate funds if they did not implement desegregation plans; served in US House of Representatives (Jan 3, 1971–Jan 3, 1973) on Committee on Education and Labor where she proposed a system of tax credits for parents of children in private schools and sought a federal ban on busing; also sat on Committee on Veterans' Affairs and called for withdrawal of American troops from Southeast Asia; though a Democrat, supported Nixon on a majority of House votes; lost bid for a 2nd term(1972).
See also Women in World History.