2018 Amicus Briefs Summary

In 2018, CWLC participated in thirty-three amicus briefs addressing a variety of legal issues affecting justice and equality for women and girls. This summer CWLC filed a brief with the Supreme Court of the United States in support of California’s FACT Act, a law pertaining to the limited and harmful practices that “crisis pregnancy centers”
Read more…

2017 Amicus Briefs Summary

In 2017, CWLC participated in thirty amicus briefs addressing a variety of legal issues affecting justice and equality for women and girls.  These briefs were filed in the California Court of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, multiple federal District and Circuit courts, and even the United States Supreme Court. The issues addressed by the briefs included Title IX campus sexual assault and cyber harassment, women’s reproductive health, domestic violence, LGBTQ employment discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and transgender veterans.

Webinar Training – “Title IX: Campus Sexual Assault and Harassment” (2018)

The California Women’s Law Center offered this training opportunity about campus sexual assault and harassment as it applies to Title IX, and in particular colleges in California. Presenter: Amy Poyer, CWLC Senior Staff Attorney *To use this training for self-study MCLE credit, please complete the evaluation form on our website and submit it to cwlc@cwlc.org in order
Read more…

Know Your IX’s State Policy Playbook (2017)

Know Your IX’s State Policy Playbook outlines key reforms that students, advocates, and state policymakers can pursue to support survivors on campus, keep students safe, and end gender-based violence in school. For more information, visit the Know Your IX website here.

Training: “The Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Students Under Title IX and California Law” (2016)

This informational webinar reviewed the laws protecting pregnant and parenting students in California to enable practitioners to identify and remedy these harmful forms of discrimination, shared the results of the ABC’s of Breastfeeding Report Card grading lactation accommodations in K-12 schools in Los Angeles County, and discussed next steps in expanding the impact of the report card.

2016 Amicus Briefs Summary

In 2016, CWLC participated in eighteen amicus briefs addressing a variety of legal issues affecting justice and equality for women and girls. These briefs were filed in the California Court of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, multiple federal District and Circuit courts, and even the United States Supreme Court. The issues addressed by the briefs included women’s reproductive health, domestic violence, LGBTQ employment discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and discriminatory enforcement of prostitution offenses.

S.T.O.P. Teen Dating Violence (2015)

S.T.O.P Teen Dating Violence resources are related to the October 2015 presentation in which teen dating violence is discussed, why it is a problem, the responsibility schools play in addressing teen dating violence under Title IX, and its relation to California state law.

Teen Dating Violence: Know Your Rights (2010)

This resource explains the pervasiveness of teen dating violence, how schools need to address the issue, schools’ legal duties, and information regarding Title IX.

CWLC Releases Updated “ABC’s of Breastfeeding” Report Card

California Women’s Law Center Releases Updated “ABC’s of Breastfeeding” Report Card for L.A. County School Districts New Report Shows Widespread Improvement Among Majority of Districts (Los Angeles, California) – The California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) is releasing an updated report card regarding the status of lactation accommodation policies in Los Angeles County school districts. The
Read more…

Support Students and Take Action Against Proposed Title IX Changes!

The rights and safety of women in the United States continue to be challenged. Over the last two years, the current administration has marginalized American women and girls on several fronts, and now Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has proposed new regulations that will strip away vital protections for survivors of sexual assault and harassment
Read more…

CWLC reaches agreement in Title IX athletics case at Sierra Vista High School

The California Women’s Law Center, with co-counsel Legal Aid at Work and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, reached agreement in a Title IX athletics dispute involving female athletes at Sierra Vista High School in the Baldwin Park Unified School District. Girls’ volleyball players were forced to practice in an unsafe space in the gym while
Read more…

Protections for Campus Sexual Assault Victims May Roll Back

Yesterday, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos signaled her intention to roll back protections for campus sexual assault victims put in place by the Obama Administration in 2011. The Department of Education’s actions are likely to discourage survivors from reporting sexual assaults and could prevent rapists from being held accountable.

2017 Los Angeles Sparks #WeAreWomen Campaign

In 2015 and 2016 the Los Angeles Sparks broke records and barriers, by impacting the community through sport and setting a new franchise record for the first STAPLES Center sell out in Sparks Franchise history. This was all made possible by their team of Ambassadors, which includes CWLC.

Summer 2017 Newsletter

In this issue… 2017 Annual Pursuit of Justice Awards, Teen Dating Violence Brochure, CWLC’s Beach Cities Legal Housing Clinics, CWLC Releases: Lactation 101 Report, Join Us: LA Sparks #WeAreWomen game on August 27th, and more!

Webinar: “A Level Playing Field: Title IX and Gender Equity in K-12 School Athletics”

Amy Poyer of CWLC and Kim Turner from Legal Aid at Work, formerly known as the Legal Aid Society – Employment Law Center, hosted a Title IX Athletics training webinar titled “A Level Playing Field: Title IX and Gender Equity in K-12 School Athletics” on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm PST.

Senate Bill 169 (Jackson & de León) – Gender Equity in Education

CWLC supports SB 169, which would amend the Education Code to codify existing Title IX protections into California law and help ensure safety and equity on our school campuses. Read SB 169 Letter of Support. SB 169 was vetoed by the Governor on October 15, 2017.

Training: “The Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Students Under Title IX and California Law”

This informational webinar reviewed the laws protecting pregnant and parenting students in California to enable practitioners to identify and remedy these harmful forms of discrimination, shared the results of the ABC’s of Breastfeeding Report Card grading lactation accommodations in K-12 schools in Los Angeles County, and discussed next steps in expanding the impact of the report card.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Please join CWLC and our allies in raising our collective voices to support survivors and increase awareness about the fact that sexual violence is never acceptable. #SAAM2017 #SAAM

CWLC Joins Women’s Organizations in Title IX Amicus Brief

CWLC joined thirteen other women’s rights organizations in an amicus brief opposing an attempt by seven states (Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina and Texas) to evade their Title IX responsibilities at state schools by claiming there is governmental immunity against such actions.

Winter 2017 Update

In this issue… Distinguished Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin, CWLC to honor The Actors’ Gang Prison Project, State Senator Connie M. Leyva and the Los Angeles Sparks: 2017 Pursuit of Justice Awards – May 16, 2017, Policy Brief Released: “Aging, Women and Poverty In California,” Join Us: Upcoming Title IX Webinars, CWLC Welcomes New Board Members, and much more!

Women’s History Month Events

The California Women’s Law Center is proud to recognize March as Women’s History Month. Every month, but especially this month, CWLC is proud to recognize the fearless women who shaped our past and whose sturdy shoulders we now stand in our ongoing fight for fairness and equality. Get involved all month long!

National Girls & Women in Sports Day 2017

The California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) is proud to celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day, commemorating the extraordinary achievements of women and girls who participate in athletics.

Forty-four years after the enactment of Title IX, however, schools continue to discriminate against female athletes. Female students still have significantly fewer opportunities to participate in sports compared to their male counterparts, and often also have unequal funding, facilities and equipment. CWLC remains committed to fighting for gender equity in California schools. We proudly maintain our role as an expert regarding matters relating to Title IX throughout California and serve as a primary resource center in the state for girls, parents, coaches, school officials, and policymakers.

Training: “Breastfeeding Rights in California Schools”

On Wednesday, November 9th, the California Women’s Law Center and BreastfeedLA presented an informational training webinar, “Breastfeeding Rights in California Schools.” Every major health organization recommends breastfeeding and recognizes its overwhelming health benefits for parent and child.

Title IX Webinar with LAS-ELC

On October 6th from 1:00 – 2:00 pm PST, CWLC and the Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center (LAS-ELC) hosted an informational training webinar for attendees to learn about Title IX as it applies to athletics in schools, including Title IX requirements, how to identify violations, and examples from real life cases.

August is National Breastfeeding Month

August is National Breastfeeding Month and August 1st – 7th marks World Breastfeeding Week. Breastfeeding is recommended by every major health care organization, including the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Summer Update 2016

IN THIS ISSUE… 2016 Annual Pursuit of Justice Awards, “Aging, Women and Poverty In California” Forum, CWLC and LA Sparks #WeAreWomen Campaign, CWLC Participates in the First United State of Women Summit, CWLC Celebrates Title IX 43rd Anniversary at the Getty House, CWLC Advocacy and Legislative Update, Erika Norman joins CWLC Board, Amy Poyer joins CWLC Staff, Executive Director’s Message

CWLC Honors Pat Summitt

On Tuesday, legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt passed away at the age of 64 after a five-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Pat Summitt’s greatness transcends gender: she is the most victorious coach in college basketball, men’s or women’s. She finished her career in 2012 with 1,098 total wins (and a .913 winning percentage) and was the head coach of the University of Tennessee’s Lady Vols for 38 years. She led the team to 22 Final Four appearances, 8 National Championships, and 112 NCAA tournament victories. Every one of the 161 players coached by Summitt graduated, a perfect graduation rate that is unparalleled by any other coach in any sport. When asked what statistic she was most proud of, Coach Summitt always answered “161.”

Female Athletes Gaining Equity in Santa Paula

SAN FRANCISCO — State data show that many schools and many park and recreation departments across California offer girls and boys unequal sports programs. Equity has been required by federal law since 1972.

Santa Paula High School (SPHS) is making significant improvements after a legal team led by the Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center (LAS-ELC), the California Women’s Law Center (CWLC), and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (Simpson Thacher) brought attention to potential issues in Santa Paula’s facilities and sports programs for girls. LAS-ELC and its co-counsel have been shining a light on athletic gender inequities in schools throughout the state in recent years, spurring changes.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2016

CWLC celebrates National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a national commemoration of the extraordinary achievements of women and girls in sports.

Santa Paula High Applauded for Its Title IX Response

One of the first things Alfonso Gamino did after being hired as the Superintendent of the Santa Paula Unified School District in 2013 was review facilities.

Gamino heard complaints regarding the girls locker rooms at Santa Paula High, and personally went to inspect them.

He saw just how badly they needed to be upgraded to match the newer boys locker rooms.

CWLC’s Fall Update

IN THIS ISSUE: A Big Win for Equal Pay. The Governor Approves SB 358, The California Fair Pay Act, CWLC’s Distinguished Guest Speaker Series, CWLC at Planned Parenthood’s #PinkOut Day, CWLC Kicks off its Title IX Training Series, CWLC Releases a Report Card for Los Angeles County Schools, How CWLC Spent Women’s Equality Day, CWLC Participates in the California Workplace Justice Summit …

ABC’s of Breastfeeding in Los Angeles County School Districts

LOS ANGELES — When it comes to accommodating lactating students who would like to pump their breast milk or feed their babies, school districts in Los Angeles County get a grade of “D” on a report card a coalition of groups advocating reproductive justice released today.

And districts don’t fare much better when it comes to accommodating lactating employees. A teacher who asked to remain anonymous remembers her female co-workers would gather outside the bathroom, the only place where she could pump breast milk, and “Moooo.”

UCLA School of Law Conference 2015 – CWLC Partner Event

CWLC Staff Attorney Laura Riley spoke at the UCLA School of Law’s Sexual Assault and the Campus: The Role of Title IX Conference during the breakout session.

Title IX Training Series: Gender Discrimination in Education

Led by Staff Attorney Laura Riley of the California Women’s Law Center, this three-part webinar series covered: Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault in Schools, Equality in High School Athletic Programs, and The Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Students.

Be Part of History

As a proud ambassador of the #WeAreWomen campaign, the California Women’s Law Center hopes you will also support this effort to fill the Staples Center on Sunday, August 30, 2015. The Los Angeles Sparks women’s professional basketball organization wants to help recognize the everyday women who are serving as pioneers, business leaders and community activists.

Clayton Valley Charter High School Title IX Case

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – A settlement has been reached between Clayton Valley Charter High School (Clayton High) and its female athletes to increase equality in high school athletic opportunities, treatment and benefits. Clayton High has agreed to: improve and maintain equitable athletic facilities for girls and boys; offer additional girls’ athletic teams; increase outreach to girls to participate in sports; and provide additional Title IX training to its coaches and administrators, among other things.

Support SB 665 (Block): Addressing Rape and Sexual Assault

The Honorable Ricardo Lara Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SB 665 (Block) – Support Dear Senator Lara: I am writing in support of SB 665 authored by Senator Marty Block. This bill will provide much needed student education and independent oversight of the Title IX process to address and prevent abuses at
Read more…

CWLC, LAS-ELC and Simpson Thacher Urge Santa Paula School to Ensure it Provides Equal Sports Opportunities to Girls

The most recent data from the federal Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights’ website indicates that at Santa Paula High School fewer girls played sports than boys in relation to enrollment.

According to the Department website comprised of data compiled from high schools, 50.4% of students are girls, yet 44.2% of the athletic program are female participants – an approximate difference of 6%.

Support AB 302 (Garcia): Pupil services: lactation accommodations

  The Honorable Patrick O’Donnell Chair, Assembly Education Committee State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: AB 302 (Garcia) – Support Dear Assemblymember O’Donnell: I am writing in support of AB 302 (Garcia), which will clarify school accommodations for lactating students in California. This bill requires that high schools provide lactating students with access to a private room
Read more…

Support SB 429 (Jackson): Title IX Instructional Videos

The Honorable Hannah-Beth Jackson State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SB 429 (Jackson) – Title IX Instructional Videos Dear Senator Jackson: I am writing in support of SB 429 which would require the California Department of Education (CDE) to develop an informational Title IX training video to help schools and school districts become Title IX compliant. It has became
Read more…