Roberts v. U.S. Jaycees - Significance

This was the first in a series of Supreme Court decisions that opened many previously all-male organizations to women.

The U.S. Jaycees, originally known as the Junior Chamber of Commerce, is a nonprofit membership corporation founded in 1920. Its national headquarters are in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Its purpose is to "promote and foster the growth and development of young men's civic organizations in the United States . . . " It also meant to encourage "genuine Americanism" and "to develop true friendship and understanding among young men of all nations."

At that time, regular membership was open only to males between the ages of 18 and 35. Men over the age limit and women were permitted to become associate members. As such, they still paid dues--although somewhat less than regular members--but they could not vote, hold office, or take part in its awards or training programs.