AAUW National Legal Advocacy Fund (LAF)

Sabina Howell, Legal Advocacy Fund Liaison
laf@aauwpa.org

AAUW's Legal Advocacy Fund provides funding and a support system for women seeking judicial redress for sex discrimination.

You probably know that LAF is the nation's largest legal fund focused solely on sex discrimination in higher education. However, did you know:

More success for LAF supported plaintiffs!

For those of you who heard Laura Violand speak at one of our LAF functions at Convention several years ago, good news was recently received.  George Washington University had appealed the jury award for back-pay damages of $2280,955 which Laura received in the lower court.  The appellate court judge upheld the award!  This is a major victory.

In other LAF news, Lisa Simpson, another LAF supported plaintiff, was awarded $2.5 million in a settlement against the University of Colorado.  Simpson and another former student sued the University after they were allegedly raped by football recruits at an off-campus party in 2001.  As part of the settlement, the University agreed to create a new position in the Office of Victim Assistance and to hire an independent adviser to monitor the school’s compliance with anti-discrimination laws.  The award is one of the largest ever to an LAF-supported plaintiff.

Support of LAF plaintiffs is crucial in their fight to right the wrongs committed against these individuals.  Please give generously!

American Association of University Professors Faculty Gender Equity Indicators 2006 ReportNEW AAUW-PA LAF Web article summer 071

LAF Case Support Program
Since 1981, LAF’s Case Support Program has supported over 100 cases and provided more than $1.3 million in support.

Progress in Equity Award (PIE Award)
Each year LAF awards recognizes an innovative program or initiative that advances equity for women students, faculty, and staff on a college or university campus through its Progress in Equity Award. Recipients receive a stipend of up to $10,000 and public recognition throughout their communities, campus, and AAUW. Since 1987, 23 programs have received this award and 24 others have received a special distinction award.

Speaking Out for Justice Award
The Speaking Out for Justice Award supports LAF's mission by recognizing a nationally prominent individual who has advocated for change on behalf of women and girls. The award is given biennially at the AAUW Convention.

Campus Outreach Award
LAF launched the Campus Outreach Award initiative to work directly with campuses to provide programming and develop action steps toward creating a more equitable campus climate.

LAF Adopts Two Plaintiffs
Michele Jaureguito and L.W. brought separate claims against Feather River Community College in California after experiencing sex discrimination. Jaureguito, former director of the Upward Bound/Talent Search program, was retaliated against after she made formal complaints that a staff member was sexually harassing teenaged program participants and giving them alcohol. L.W., former head coach and faculty member, was wrongfully terminated after voicing concerns that the college discriminated against women in the way it funded, selected, hired, and compensated coaches for women’s athletics.

Check out the links for more information. Please give generously to support these efforts.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!

Contribution Report Form [WORD]