Inconsiderate of women

I read yesterday about UVM’s lovely new, locally sourced wooden chairs. However, I was distracted by the description of them being “comfortable for anybody,” though anyone 5-feet 6-inches or shorter would have their feet dangling off the ground. Since the average height of women in this country is 5-feet 4-inches, it seems these chairs will be fine for the men while leaving most women who attend meetings in this room at a distinct disadvantage.

Not having one’s feet solidly on the ground is not an “Alice in Wonderland” magical experience. It is disempowering. Gender discrimination can be so subtle — and so wrong. Perhaps UVM plans to provide footstools for the ladies.

Yvonne Byrd

Plainfield

Editor’s note: The owner of Clear Lake Furniture, Brent Karner, has requested a clarification. The chairs built for the University of Vermont were made to accommodate varying heights.