CWLC Speakers Series: Women in Sports

On Wednesday, October 25, 2017, the California Women’s Law Center hosted a Speaker Series with Sue Enquist, Lauren Fendrick, Gwendolyn Oxenham and Violet Palmer titled “Women in Sports: Challenges & Opportunities.”

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.

West Hollywood Women’s Leadership Conference

The Women’s Leadership Conference featured a day of dynamic speakers, film screening and reception, compelling panel discussions, expert-led trainings, interactive workshops, keynote luncheon, exhibitor hub area, and so much more! It was an exciting daylong event geared toward women who live, work and play in West Hollywood.

The Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Students Under Title IX and California Law (webinar training)

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.

West Hollywood Women’s Leadership Conference

Please join the California Women’s Law Center in supporting the City of West Hollywood’s 11th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference & Network on Saturday, May 13, 2017. The Women’s Leadership Conference features a day of dynamic speakers, panel discussions, trainings and workshops.

Assembly Bill 1209 (Gonzalez Fletcher) – Gender Pay Gap Transparency Act

The California Women’s Law Center supports AB 1209, The Gender Pay Gap Transparency Act, introduced by Senator Gonzalez-Fletcher, which seeks to address the gender wage gap in California. Read AB 1209 Support Letter AB 1209 was vetoed by the Governor on October 15, 2017.

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

Senate Bill 743 (Hernandez) – Freedom of Choice in Family Planning Act

The California Women’s Law Center supports SB 743, the Freedom of Choice in Family Planning Act, introduced by Senator Hernandez, which would ensure that Medi-Cal managed care enrollees continue to maintain flexibility in choosing family planning providers in the event that the federal “free choice of provider law” is repealed. Read SB 743 Letter of Support
Read more…

Senate Bill 570 (Newman) – G.I. Bill CalWORKs

CWLC supports SB 570, introduced by Senator Newman, which would amend the rules governing income and eligibility for the CalWORKs program to exempt all education related benefits paid to military, veteran and surviving family members by the United States Veteran Administration (VA) from income tests for the program. Read SB 570 Support Letter SB 570 was
Read more…

Senate Bill 282 (Wiener) – The Reducing Hunger Among Vulnerable Californians Act of 2017

CWLC supports Senate Bill 282, introduced by Senator Wiener, which would increase access to prepared food for low income, homeless, elderly and disabled Californians, and will create job opportunities for childless homeless adults. Read AB 282 Letter of Support SB 282 was approved by the Governor on September 28, 2017. 

International Women’s Day – March 8, 2017

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a collective day of global celebration but also a call for gender parity. IWD honors the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. But the unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to their male counterparts, women are still not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and physical safety are threatened every day.

Asian American Women Equal Pay Day

Today is Asian American Women’s Equal Pay Day, which means Asian American women’s salaries are just catching up to what white men made in 2016. Compared to their white male counterparts, Asian American women working full time typically are only paid 85 cents for every dollar paid to white men.

CWLC Celebrates Women’s History Month

March is a month of reflection and appreciation for women, but it is also a month of action. Please join us as we celebrate the gains women have made since our country was founded and know that CWLC will be on the frontlines to stop any attempt to force women backward or diminish our possibilities. Together, we will be successful in our mission to ensure the future is bright and full of opportunity for every woman and every girl in the nation.

Senate Bill 63 (Jackson) – New Parent Leave Act

The California Women’s Law Center supports SB 63, introduced by Senator Jackson, which would provide more California employees with job-protected parental leave for up to 12 weeks. Read SB 63 Support Letter SB 63 was approved by the Governor on October 12, 2017.

Susan B. Anthony Day 2017

Today would have been Susan B. Anthony’s 197th birthday. Ms. Anthony dedicated her life to fighting for women’s rights, traveling across the nation fighting for a woman’s right to vote. She also campaigned for the abolition of slavery, the right for women to own property and retain their earnings, and for women’s labor organizations.

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.

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act – 8th Anniversary

On January 29, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which ensured that women like Ms. Ledbetter are able to successfully assert their claims by confirming that each discriminatory paycheck rejects the 180-day statute of limitations to file a claim.

Roe v. Wade 44th Anniversary

January 22, 2017 marks the 44th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which recognized a woman’s constitutional right to decide whether to carry a pregnancy to term. On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court issued this historic decision.

CWLC Honors Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy

Equality and justice were the foundation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life. In 1983, Congress and President Ronald Reagan enacted legislation to honor Dr. King’s legacy by creating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Poverty Awareness Month and the “Aging, Women and Poverty In California” White Paper

CWLC has prioritized the specific and devastating effects of poverty on California’s aging population, and particularly its impact on our state’s aging women. In June 2016, CWLC joined the California Commission on Aging and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls to present a ground-breaking forum titled Aging, Women and Poverty In California. The forum brought together policy leaders and experts from around the state to discuss the looming crisis facing California’s older women. Speakers at the forum tackled issues including retirement, elder justice, housing, food insecurity, health care access, and many other pressing matters older Americans face.

Rally to Save Roe

Individuals joined the National Council of Jewish Women|Los Angeles (NCJW|LA) and several cosponsoring organizations to Rally to Save Roe, which was a rally and training to defend women’s reproductive rights in America. The rally began at 6:00 pm and on Fairfax Avenue between Clinton Street and Rosewood Avenue.

In the face of an uncertain political climate, supporters demonstrated their commitment to upholding the right to abortion that was established 44 years ago in the historic 1973 Supreme Court Case, Roe vs. Wade.

“Loving” Film Screening

The California Women’s Law Center was proud to co-sponsor an advanced screening of the new Focus Features film “Loving” on November 3, 2016 at the Landmark Theater in the Westside Pavilion Mall. This fantastic film is based on the seminal 1967 Supreme Court case, Loving v. Virginia. CWLC proudly partnered with the Writers Guild Foundation, GLAAD …

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.”

“Aging, Women and Poverty in California” Forum

On June 3rd, the California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) co-hosted a forum entitled Aging, Women and Poverty In California at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. CWLC was honored to partner with the California Commission on Aging (CCoA) and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG) to discuss the priorities and perspectives that community and policy leaders should be planning for as our population ages. With 34,000 Californians turning 65 each month, the Golden State should prepare for a dramatic change in the needs of its citizens.

Women’s History Month 2016

March is Women’s History Month and the California Women’s Law Center wants you to join us in recognizing the remarkable women Justices of the United States Supreme Court who are safeguarding reproductive rights for women. Unfortunately, the fight to ensure choice is ongoing. We thank our Justices and everyone still fighting for American women’s rights. We must carry on and ensure that women’s voices are heard and that our history is one in which a woman’s choice is hers alone.

Susan B. Anthony Day 2016

The California Women’s Law Center applauds Susan B. Anthony and all the women who began the march toward equality which continues today.

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.

43rd Roe v. Wade Anniversary

Today, marks the 43rd anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade which recognized a woman’s constitutional right to decide whether to carry a pregnancy to term. Thanks to Roe, women can make choices about their body and their health. The California Women’s Law Center is committed to protecting the reproductive rights of women and works to ensure access to safe and affordable healthcare for all women. On this day, we rededicate ourselves to defending Roe and protecting the rights of women and their ability to make personal decisions affecting their lives.

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 …

Urge Congress to Protect Planned Parenthood

As a supporter of the California Women’s Law Center, another way I ask you to please consider supporting the rights of women and girls is by telling Congress that you stand with Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is the most trusted women’s health care provider in this country, and has been for nearly 100 years. It
Read more…

#WeAreWomen: 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.

Support SB 464 (Hernandez): Health and Self Reporting Tools

    [todaysdate format=”F j, Y”]   The Honorable Ed Hernandez State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SB 464 (Hernandez) – Support Dear Senator Hernandez: I am writing in support of SB 464. This bill allows the use of self-screening tools to identify certain risk factors, including patient blood pressure and weight, so that health care practitioners
Read more…

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 1017 (Campos): Gender Pay Equity

  The Honorable Nora Campos State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: AB 1017 (Campos) – Support Dear Assemblymember Campos: I am writing in support of AB 1017. This bill will promote fair and equal pay practices by requiring employers to advertise a job’s minimum pay and prohibiting employers from seeking salary history without a job applicant’s
Read more…

Support AB 830 (Eggman): An Act to Amend the Civil Code Related to Gender Violence

The Honorable Susan Talamantes Eggman State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: AB 830 – Support Dear Assemblymember Eggman: I am writing in support of AB 830, which is supported by the California Conference of Bar Associations, the California Women’s Law Center and the Legal Aid Society – Employment Law Center and would amend Civil Code § 52.4 to specifically
Read more…

Support SB 579 (Jackson): the Family Engagement Act

  The Tony Mendoza Chair, Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SB 579 (Jackson) – Support Dear Senator Mendoza: I am writing in support of SB 579 (Jackson), the Family Engagement Act, which expands upon existing law to give working parents more flexibility in using time off to care for their
Read more…

Pursuit of Justice Awards 2015 – Honoring Dolores Huerta, Lilly Ledbetter and Peg Yorkin

On June 18th, 2015, CWLC was honored to recognize Dolores Huerta, Lilly Ledbetter and Peg Yorkin at the 2015 Pursuit of Justice Awards held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Thank you to those of you who attended and our event sponsors who helped acknowledge our honorees commitment to creating equal opportunities for all.