Legislative Activity
Title IX Update
Amy Klosterman January 13, 2025
Recent events signify big changes for Title IX, the landmark 1972 law prohibiting sex discrimination in schools. There are two prominent issues at stake:
- Whether or not Title IX’s prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex includes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender.
- Whether the concept of sex should be seen as an “immutable biological reality” in which there are only two sexes, male and female, versus recognizing and welcoming the…
Lobby Day Is January 27 – What Will You Be Doing?
Seattle Branch AAUW December 17, 2024
As AAUW-WA Public Policy Director Sandra Distelhorst has said, “This is not a time to step back but a time to step up our advocacy efforts.” The current word among activists is “focus on the local.” The theme for our AAUW-WA January 27 Lobby Day event is “Challenges and Opportunities”. Lobby Day is always fascinating and motivating. We will hear from our Olympia lobbyist Nancy Sapiro about pending WA legislation and other inspiring… Read More »
Sign the Petition to Add the ERA to the Constitution
Marianne North December 12, 2024
Women in the US are still not guaranteed equal rights. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which will update the US Constitution to protect the equality of rights under the law regardless of sex, can be added to the Constitution with one action. The League of Women Voters and the ERA Coalition are urging President Biden to act to ensure that the ERA is published before he leaves office. You can… Read More »
The Three Legislative Bills That Made It to The Governor’s Desk, The Five That Didn’t, And What We Can Do Next
Melisa Lasell March 17, 2024
Three of the eight bills AAUW WA supported have made their way to the Governor’s desk where he will have 20 days to sign. Sent to the Governor for consideration:
- Establishing an Artificial Intelligence Task Force (SB 5838 / HB 1934): Creating an AI task force that would include representatives from the legislature, state agencies, tribes, trade groups, civil liberties organizations, education, consumer advocates, and businesses.
- Flexible Work Hours for Peace Officers (ESSB 5424):…
2024 Lobby Day and Legislative Update
Melisa Lasell January 23, 2024
Monday, January 22, was AAUW-WA lobby day and we had some great input from a fantastic lineup. Many thanks to our AAUW-WA Policy team for making that happen. If you missed it – listed below are our presenters and a link to view the meeting! Links at the bottom so you can easily reach your State Senators and Representatives - Be an Activist! Lobby Day Presenters
- AAUW-WA Legislative Consultant Nancy Sapiro, overview of…