The Ethical Humanist Award
The Ethical Humanist Award is the Society's highest honor. The Award was established in 1970 to honor an individual who has acted with extraordinary moral courage, without regard for the sanction or acclaim of his or her peers or of society, and whose actions have had broad humanizing implications. Since 1970, the award has been presented just 16 times. Recipients of the Ethical Humanist Award are:
2003
U.S. Senator James Merrill Jeffords (I-VT) for following his conscience and changing his lifelong party affiliation, from Republican to Independent.
1999
Marian Leonard Tompson, a co-founder of La Leche League International. Her tireless work has led to the improved health of millions of children worldwide.
1998
U.S. Senators John McCain and Russell Feingold for their commitment to the Campaign Finance Reform Bill.
1997
Sen. Paul Wellstone, Mary Jo Bane, and Peter Edelman for their courageous actions in protesting the 1996 "Welfare Reform" legislation.
1996
Jeffrey Wigand for his courageous actions in revealing tobacco company research and policies harmful to the public good.
1995
Mario Cuomo for his courageous opposition, during his twelve years as Governor, to the reinstitution of the death penalty in New York State.
1985
A. Ernest Fitzgerald for upholding integrity in government by courageously opposing waste and corruption in military procurement.
1983
Hugh B. Kaufman for his courageous efforts to protect our national lands from contamination and his tireless devotion to the public welfare.
1979
Dorothy Day for the pursuit of social justice for the poor and commitment to religious and political ecumenism.
1978
Percy Qoboza for his pursuit of justice and human rights on behalf of the oppressed peoples of South Africa.
1977
Orlando Letelier (posthumously) for his pursuit of fundamental personal and democratic freedoms in Chile.
1975
Sgt. Bruce Wright for his advocacy of equal application of the law for all.
1973
Joseph A. Yablonski (posthumously) for his fight against corruption in the United Mine Workers of America.
1972
Capt. Howard B. Levy, M.D. for refusing to train Special Forces troops to serve in Vietnam.
1971
Assemblyman George M. Michaels for his deciding vote ensuring enactment of New York State's Abortion Reform Law.
1970
Michael A. Bernhardt for refusing to participate in the massacre at MyLai.
