Pam Deal

In 1979, in direct violation of their own constitution, the Rotary Club of Duarte, California inducted three women as members. Rotary International revoked the club's charter, prompting a lawsuit by the three women and the club. According to Rotary Historian David Forward, "the suit was based on the Unruh law that California and 39 other states incorporated into their civil rights acts. Simply stated, the law precludes business establishments from disciminating or refusing to provide service on the basis of sex, race, color, religion or national origin. The plaintiff claimed that Rotary Clubs were in the same category as business establishments."

The case ping ponged through the courts, with one side winning at one level and the other winning at a higher level. Meanwhile, Rotary's Council on Legisslation narrowly voted down resolutions to admit women in 1980 and 1983. Finally, on May 4, 1987, the United States Supreme Court in a 7-0 decision ruled against Rotary International.

On July 1st, 1987, King Dixon, former Athletic Director at the University of SC, became District Governor. In his official visits, he encouraged clubs to recruit women. On September 18, 1987, the Clemson Calhoun Rotary Club inducted Pam Deal as the first woman Rotarian in District 7750. Pam is an attorney in Clemson. Her husband Charles is her law partner and a member of the same club. Pam has had perfect attendance since she joined. Her most memorable Rotary experiences have been making up meetings (at least 10) around the world.

Women brought new vitality and creativity to Rotary. In District 7750, women still comprise less than 20% of the membership. Recruiting women remains a great opportunity for clubs.