Daisy Elliott, author and co-sponsor with Mel Larsen of Michigan’s cornerstone civil rights law, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), has died at the age of 98. Elliott was also a co-author of the 1963 Michigan constitution, which created the Michigan Civil Rights Commission (MCRC). MCRC is the only state civil rights agency mandated by constitution in the country.
“Daisy Elliott stands as one of the greatest civil rights leaders this state has ever produced,” said Arthur Horwitz, Chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. “All of us who strive to make Michigan a more just and equitable place are indebted to her for her courage and foresight.”
“Daisy Elliott could have chosen an easier path,” said Agustin Arbulu, Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. “But instead, she became a trailblazer, a leader and a voice who will be remembered for her steadfast focus on what is right, in spite of the tremendous obstacles she faced.”
Daisy Elliott’s work to pass a state version of federal civil rights law began in 1966. Democrats were skittish after the 1968 unrest in Detroit and the cross-district busing issue and many felt they could not support ELCRA. She recognized that for the law to pass, it had to be bipartisan. She approached Republican State Representative Mel Larsen, who agreed to co-sponsor the bill, acting on his belief that no one has a right to discriminate against anyone else.
Signed into law by Gov. William Milliken on January 13, 1977, ELCRA provided the first statutory protection from discrimination for women in educational facilities and public accommodations.
Elliott served in the Michigan House representing various districts from 1963-1978 and in 1981-1982. During one year, she introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation, including increasing the minimum wage, repealing the teacher tenure act, supporting and compensating displaced homemakers.
During her tenure in the Michigan legislature, Elliott led the House Labor Committee and created the Legislative Black Caucus with Representative Morris Hood Jr. She was named 1978 Legislator of the Year by the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association.
Elliott was a member of the Con-Con Eleven – one of only 11 women who served as delegates to the 1961-1962 Michigan Constitutional Convention.
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