Braless Fridays - UI Podcast #261
Summary
Host Steve Solderman recounts the 1969 "Braless Friday" movement, focusing on Jane Andre, a welding engineer fired by General Dynamics for suggesting female coworkers go braless to work. The episode details the ensuing media frenzy, Andre’s failed lawsuit, and her subsequent discrimination case against Bendix Corporation. It also covers related protests in San Francisco and Chicago, illustrating the era's shifting attitudes toward women's rights and workplace dress codes.
Topics discussed
Host's background and high school senior exhibition stories
Transition to the 1969 Braless Friday movement
Podcast intro and sponsor advertisements
The 1969 San Francisco anti-bra publicity stunt
Jane Andre's proposal and firing from General Dynamics
Media reaction, business responses, and health debates
Sponsor advertisements for UnitedHealth and Toyota
Jane's lawsuit and other Braless Friday events in Chicago
University of Iowa event and outcome of Jane's first lawsuit
Jane's second firing at Bendix and Supreme Court ruling
1971 Dear Abby column on braless secretaries
Host's recording story and Jane Andre's death date
Closing remarks and final advertisements
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