Kennedy, Kate

Kate Kennedy, a well-known educator and labor activist from San Francisco campaigned for State Superintendent of Education in California in 1886. She did not win the office. Kennedy was well-known in California as a school principal and for her agitation on behalf of equal pay for women educators. Due directly to her efforts, in 1874 the California legislature passed a law guaranteeing equal salaries to women teachers and principals. Kennedy's support of Henry George and the single tax movement, as well as her nomination for State Superintendent, led to her dismissal by the board of education. After a three year legal battle the California State Supreme Court found in her favor, ruling that teachers could not be dismissed or placed in lower level jobs because of political activity.