Representative Pat Schroeder, Colorado’s first female U.S. representative, was awarded the University of Denver 2021 Estlow Center Lecturer and Anvil of Freedom Award on April 21. The former delegate spoke to DU students, faculty and community members in a virtual award ceremony about her concerns and aspirations for the future of democratic governance and journalism. 

Without the support of the Democratic Party, but with the assistance of the Fairness Doctrine, Schroeder beat her opponents and secured a spot as the second-youngest woman elected to Congress. 

Throughout her 24-year career, Schroeder was known for her tireless work ethic and ambitious advocacy on an array of issues ranging from women’s rights to military oversight. As one of 14 women in the House, Schroeder gained a seat on the armed services committee and crafted the 1985 Military Family Act. 

Most emblematic of her service was her continued dedication to women’s rights. Among her many legislative successes, Schroeder was a prominent supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, founding member of the Congressional Women’s Caucus, and staunch advocate for the Family and Medical Leave Act (which provided job protection for 12 weeks of unpaid leave due to medical purposes). 

Schroeder is still politically active. At the DU award ceremony, she discussed pressing issues from voter misinformation, journalism rights, lobbying and political showmanship. 

Contrasting her experience in Congress to the current state of politics, the former representative believes the political field has become a “dance of rage.” She explained how political attacks have become personal—following a cycle of stall, attack and repeat.

She discussed her alarm at the state of political engagement in civic society. For Schroeder, both the issue of voter disinformation and disinterest due to political drama fuels ignorance in the U.S. political system. Schroeder explained how in the recent 2020 election cycle, several college students in her Florida community were misled into believing they could vote online when the only legitimate voting methods are mail-in and in-person. This conflicting information and general failure of the education system to teach basic civics is the reason why voters are uninterested in politics according to Schroeder.

“People may know the Kardashians, but they don’t all know the three branches of government or how the electoral college works. That’s a problem,” Schroeder said.

As for the future, Schroeder is more optimistic. She encourages young people to run for office, rather than participate behind the scenes, and use media tools for community organization. 

In her concluding remarks, Schroeder implored people to get involved. This means going to see representatives, asking for voting records and questioning public officials. To Schroeder, politics is local, and it starts with everyday people. 

DU students have several options to get involved with Denver politics. This can include contacting your representatives or attending DU Undergraduate Student Government meetings virtually. DU students can also join a club on campus such as student affinity groups, IGNITE, DU Democrats, DU Divest and others.