Legal Advocacy Fund-MA Annual Report 2007-2008

Founded in 1981, the AAUW Legal Advocacy fund provides funding and a support system for women, and men, challenging sex discrimination in higher education. LAF is recognized as a leading advocate for equity for women at all levels within the college and university system.

The AAUW LAF provides funding and a support system for those seeking judicial redress for sex discrimination.

LAF believes that the key to promoting equity in higher education is raising awareness of inequities and illegal behavior. To that end, LAF provides a variety of programming: an emphasis on development of equitable policies and practices in universities, growth of an informed attorneys and advocates network, and increased financial and moral support for people facing sex discrimination in education.

There are four major programs to promote equity for women in higher education: the Case Support Program, LAF Attorney and Expert Witness Network, Progress in Equity Award, and Campus Outreach Program. Additionally, LAF has conducted research and hosted roundtables to bring national leaders together to discuss strategies for eliminating sex discrimination.

Sharon Lemoff assumed the position of LAF-VP for AAUW-MA in August. Several correspondences were sent to the branch LAF chairs and Presidents regarding current cases and spreading the LAF word among the branch members. Hollie Bagley and Sharon designed logos to print on merchandise available on the “CafePress.com” website with profits going to LAF. Information about the available merchandise was put in the winter and spring editions of the “Baystater” as well as communicated to the branches. Plans are also underway for a cruise to Bermuda next July 2009 to raise LAF funds.

We applied for and received a grant for an LAF plaintiff to attend the April convention. The plaintiff is Michael Burch and he will speak at the LAF dinner on April 5. His case was settled in January 2007.

Sharon sent out 73 letters to MA colleges inviting them to apply for the 2008 MA PIE (Progress in Equity) Award. The award was won by the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy at U-Mass, Boston, and will be accepted at the April 6 luncheon. There was a less than overwhelming response to the letters. Consideration will be taken to sending them out earlier in the fall. Also the national PIE award was suspended for this year. As this award was referenced in the letter there may have been some confusion.

Contributions for LAF from AAUW-MA members and branches equaled $4252 for 1/1/07 through 12/31/2007. Awards for the various levels of contribution as well as significant per capita branch contributions will be awarded at the luncheon on April 6. The list of awardees is attached for the minutes.

LAF Awards

2007 contributions

Partner $250-$499

Florence Baturin Bedford-Lexington

Lois DiSanto MAL

Marie Rutenbergs Worcester

Amicus $100 - $249

Miriam Richmond Bedford-Lexington

Risha Samuelson Boston

Sharon Lemoff Hingham

Liz Fragola Danvers-Topsfield

Nancy Luther Danvers-Topsfield

Litigant $50-$99

Nancy Moore Bedford-Lexington

Marion Kilson Bedford-Lexington

Laura Goldsmith Cape Cod

Branches Highest Per Capita contributions

Bedford-Lexington 1^st Place

Taunton 2^nd Place

Danvers-Topsfield 3^rd Place