Obituary: Faith Seidenberg, Pioneer in Women’s Rights and Dedicated Activist for Civil Liberties

The New York Civil Liberties Union mourns the passing of Faith Seidenberg, an attorney and civil rights advocate who worked tirelessly for equality and freedom for all people. Seidenberg is perhaps best known for successfully challenging the 115-year ban on women at East Village institution McSorely’s Old Ale House, a lawsuit which led to legislation in 1970 barring discrimination in public places in New York City based on sex.

Seidenberg was a champion for many civil liberties issues, and her work was diverse. She did everything from register Southern voters during the Freedom Summer to successfully advocate on behalf of juveniles held without lawyers in Syracuse. Her work earned her a position on the Executive Board of the American Civil Liberties Union where she founded the Women’s Legal Defense Fund.

“Faith Seidenberg’s dedication to equality and justice throughout her career is a striking reminder of New York’s rich and robust civil rights history,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman. “The NYCLU is forever grateful for the groundwork she laid and will continue to protect and promote the rights and liberties she worked so hard to safeguard.”

Seidenberg never backed down from a cause or case because it was unpopular. She also successfully sued on behalf of the women’s hockey team at Colgate University, a lawsuit which became a landmark Title IX case.

“I knew Faith Seidenberg to be a courageous trailblazer and a true individualist,” said NYCLU Central Chapter Director Barrie Gewanter. “The impact of her legacy in support of the rights of women is lasting and cannot be underestimated.”