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More information about AAUW CA Public Policy can be found HERE.

 

Are Gender-based Scholarships Problematic?
Not for AAUW, but the current legal and political climate
has made universities wary to offer them.
by Missy Maceyko, Co-chair AAUW California Public Policy Committee

Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972 bans sex-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding. An outgrowth of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which offers workplace protections on the basis of ‘sex,’ Title IX was created to address historical marginalization on the basis of sex/gender in education. In sum, Title IX was created to provide women with equal access and success in educational institutions, to redress the historical marginalization of women in educational settings relative to men.

The definition of what counts as sex-based discrimination has necessarily expanded over the years, eventually coming to protect everyday Americans from things like pregnancy discrimination and gender-stereotype discrimination (e.g. not getting a promotion because you are not performing in a way that aligns with the gender you are perceived to be). In 2024, the Biden Administration extended a 2020 Supreme Court decision about LGBTQ+ workplace discrimination to Title IX, providing protections to the LGBTQ+ community by acknowledging that LGBTQ+ discrimination is often the result of animus derived from gender stereotyping.

The spirit of Title IX is to protect those who have been historically marginalized on the basis of sex/gender. However, as part of the larger pushback against social justice and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we have seen a sharp uptick in watchdog efforts and legal action around educational programs and scholarships focusing on fostering gender (and racial) equity. Those bringing these lawsuits suggest that programs and scholarships that are explicitly for women violate Title IX because they discriminate against men. For instance, between 2016 and 2022, Mark Perry, an emeritus professor at the University of Michigan’s Flint campus and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, filed 410 Title IX complaints against universities that offer programs or awards for women, but not men.

Lawsuits like those brought by Mark Perry lean in to the concept of equality, the idea that fairness is giving everyone the exact same things. This is opposed to leaning into the concept of equity, where fairness is reaching equilibrium by giving some individuals and groups different protections and support to make sure that everyone has what they need to succeed. If one student scrapes their knee and you give everyone a bandaid, this is equality. If one student scrapes their knee and you give only that student a bandaid, this is equity. Leaning into equality work does not make sense when equity should be the target to redress an historical and/or current harm.

However, given the threats of legal action to DEI programs, and given the ongoing legal wrangling over rules and guidance about gender equity and gender equality under Title IX, many educational institutions are unsure about the legality of their gender equity programs and initiatives. Furthermore, the threat of legal action has had a chilling effect as institutions with shrinking budgets fear the cost and burden of ongoing legal challenges based on gender equality and equity efforts.

Scholarships that seek to target protected groups to overcome historical forms of marginalization have become a target in the larger attack against DEI, Title VII, and Title IX. If a college or university is wary of listing your AAUW scholarship, this might be why. AAUW does not receive federal funding under Title IX, so can offer gender-specific scholarships and programs without this same fear.

SELF CARE IS A POLITICAL ACT
Missy Maceyko and Amy Hom, , Co-Chairs AAUW California Public Policy Committee

December, 2024

With the looming post-election threat of an uptick in policies and enforcement actions that run counter to our core values, including the promise to advance Project 2025, many of you may be feeling a range of emotions including exhaustion,anxiety, fear, and despair. Please take time during this holiday season to practice self-care–as Audre Lorde teaches us, this is,indeed, a political act. Unplug if you have to, spend time with your loved ones, and recharge so that we can continue to work together to advance and protect the communities that we care about.

When you feel ready to take action, we are here to support. We will have opportunities on the ground, including via Lobby Days and the School Board Project. We will have opportunities within our organization, including through solidifying and expanding our Public Policy Priorities.

And we will continue to build new opportunities, including through partnering with organizations and individuals that share our priorities. We are gathering resources, projects, and outlets that will streamline our collective efforts.

With this in mind, we wish you all the best. Warm wishes for a peaceful holiday and a resolute New Year.
In Solidarity,
Missy & Amy

Submitted by Kathi Harper
AAUW CA Online Public Policy Chair

November, 2024

With the conclusion of the election, many of you are undoubtedly experiencing a range of emotions – sorrow, disappointment, and anxiety to name a few. This is not the outcome many of us had hoped for, and one that does not bode well for the causes we members of AAUW fight for and hold dear. It is easy to feel powerless, but there are actually a number of ways we can exert the power we still have. I encourage all our members to stay in the fight and find one or more of these actions that fit with your time, interest, and energy right now:

• We need – now more than ever – to get the ERA archived by President Biden before he leaves office. The LWV has put together an excellent tool kit that explains everything you need to know about the current state of the Amendment, as well as a “take action” link to send an urgent message to President Biden and Vice President Harris. You can find it here:  https://www.lwv.org/ERAToolkit.
• We need to stay attuned to the efforts of National to continue to support our priorities at the Federal level. You can start by attending a webinar presented by our National Public Policy Chair, Meghan Kissell, on “AAUW Priorities in Light of the Election Results” on December 4th. You can register HERE.
• We need to stay informed to stay prepared. If you missed it, please find an hour to watch an excellent webinar on Project 2025, the conservative blueprint that will shape the Trump Administration, that was presented by our AAUW California Public Policy Co-chairs Amy Hom and Melissa Maceyko on October 22nd. You can access the recording HERE.
• We need to strengthen our resolve to keep California safe for women and girls and marginalized populations, by supporting the work that AAUW California does in furtherance of this goal. HERE  you will find the latest edition of the Public Policy Committee newsletter, which reviews our legislative successes for 2023-24. Find out if your representative voted for any of these bills, and if so send them a “thank-you.” We can anticipate a fight ahead with an attempt by the Federal government to challenge the progress we continue to make in California to protect the rights of women and other marginalized groups – our legislators need to know we have their backs.
• Finally, if you’re looking for a year-end tax break via charitable donations, you might consider organizations that support our values and are proven leaders in the fight against odious policies such as those outlined in Project 2025.  Some examples might be our coalition partner Equal Rights Advocates Home – Equal Rights Advocates and the ACLU  https://www.aclu.org/give/ways-to-give

From the AAUW National Website

Where We Stand

AAUW’s policy work connects and rallies advocates at the local, state, national, and global levels to empower women and girls. AAUW uses lobbying and grassroots efforts to push forward policies that break through educational and economic barriers for women. Below we highlight our positions and advocacy on major issues.

Economic Security – AAUW advocates for all women to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Look for the QUICK FACTS on the AAUW website for background information on paycheck fairness, retirement security, paid leave, health care.

Education & Title IX – AAUW supports a strong system of public education that promotes gender fairness, equity, and diversity, including vigorous enforcement of Title IX. Read about focused positions on Higher Education, Elem and Secondary Ed Act, School vouchers, STEM Education, Sexual Harassment, Title IX

Civil Rights – AAUW advocates for equality, individual rights, and social justice for a diverse society, Reproductive Rights, LGBTQ Rights.

Take Action – There are lots of ways to get involved with AAUW’s work to advance gender equity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of women and girls.

Become a Two-Minute Activist – sign up for an issue on the website. Around the country, AAUW activists are helping to advance legislation to protect women and ensure economic security for them and their families. Thank you for joining AAUW!

School Board Project – The State of California Public Policy Team School Board Project is making impactful strides!  For a deeper understanding of the vital work performed by California school boards, use the link to find details about their roles and functions. Feel free to share this article with as many people as you can.