1908day.year
James Madison University is founded at Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States as The State Normal and Industrial School for Women by the Virginia General Assembly.
James Madison University was founded in 1908 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, as a women's normal and industrial school.
On February 29, 1908, the Virginia General Assembly chartered The State Normal and Industrial School for Women, now known as James Madison University.
Located in Harrisonburg, the institution aimed to provide higher education and vocational training for women.
It began with a small faculty and student body, focusing on teacher education and home economics.
Over time, the school expanded its academic offerings and became coeducational in 1977.
Today, JMU is recognized for its diverse programs, research contributions, and vibrant campus life.
The university’s founding reflects broader trends in women’s access to education during the early 20th century.
1908
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Virginia General Assembly
1916day.year
In South Carolina, the minimum working age for factory, mill and mine workers is raised from 12 to 14 years old.
South Carolina raises the minimum working age for factory, mill, and mine laborers from 12 to 14, improving child labor standards.
In 1916, South Carolina enacts a law increasing the minimum working age for industrial labor to 14 years.
The reform affects factories, mills, and mines, reflecting progressive-era efforts to curb child labor.
Advocates highlight the importance of education and safety, pushing for stronger labor protections.
This legal change marks a significant step toward federal child labor laws later enacted nationwide.
The move influences social attitudes on youth work and welfare, contributing to broader labor reforms.
South Carolina
working age
raised from 12 to 14 years old
1988day.year
South African archbishop Desmond Tutu is arrested along with 100 other clergymen during a five-day anti-apartheid demonstration in Cape Town.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and over a hundred clergy were arrested in 1988 during an anti-apartheid protest in Cape Town.
On February 29, 1988, Archbishop Desmond Tutu led a peaceful, five-day anti-apartheid demonstration in Cape Town alongside more than 100 other clergymen. South African security forces arrested the group, illustrating the regime’s harsh response to dissent. Already a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Tutu used his moral authority to challenge institutionalized racial segregation. The arrests drew international condemnation and intensified global pressure on the South African government to dismantle apartheid. This event highlighted the vital role of religious leaders in the struggle for justice and became a symbol of nonviolent resistance against oppression.
1988
Desmond Tutu
apartheid
Cape Town
1988day.year
Svend Robinson becomes the first member of the House of Commons of Canada to come out as gay.
In 1988, Svend Robinson made history as the first Canadian MP to publicly identify as gay.
On February 29, 1988, Svend Robinson announced his homosexuality in Canada’s House of Commons, becoming the first sitting member of Parliament to do so. His courageous revelation broke entrenched stigmas and ushered in a new era of visibility for LGBTQ+ Canadians in politics. Robinson's advocacy for human rights and equality influenced subsequent debates on non-discrimination legislation. His openness empowered other politicians and citizens to live authentically and contributed to Canada’s progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Robinson’s milestone remains a landmark in the country’s journey toward social inclusion.
Svend Robinson
House of Commons of Canada
come out as gay