He Didn’t Allow Women To Join The Agency
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Hoover reportedly didn’t have much respect for women. He did not allow them to be agents, and those who did work at the Bureau in other capacities were instructed to wear skirts and dresses. No pants allowed! While men could smoke at their desks, women were not allowed to enjoy the same perk.
The Bureau allowed women to become agents prior to Hoover’s employment as director. They were also allowed to become agents after he died. It’s unclear what his motivations were and whether he felt that women were unable to handle the job or were simply unsuited for the profession.
