| Washington — The American Association of University Women kicks off its annual National Conference of College Women Student Leaders June 7 - 9, 2006 at American University. As a follow-up to the recent AAUW Educational Foundation research report, Drawing the Line: Sexual Harassment on Campus, which revealed the startling statistic that almost two-thirds of college students are sexually harassed, this year's conference features a Summit on Sexual Harassment. Sexual harassment affects women in ways that can have an especially negative impact on women's educational experience during their pursuit of a college education, a critical element of their future economic security. The summit will focus on raising awareness and educating faculty, staff, and students on the steps they can take to build a harassment-free campus. Several conference sessions highlight and examine results from among the 11 AAUW Campus Action Projects being done by colleges and universities that are committed to taking a proactive approach to raising awareness and stopping sexual harassment on campuses. These Campus Action Projects were launched in conjunction with the release of the Drawing the Line report earlier this year. The National Conference of College Women Student Leaders is an annual event which enables student leaders from across the nation to strengthen their leadership, advocacy, civic engagement, community-building, and networking skills. In addition to this year's focus on how student leaders can address the issue of sexual harassment on campus, the conference will also include workshops on financial and career planning, and making the transition to the workplace. On June 8, the conference includes AAUW's 2006 Women of Distinction Awards with a special award for achievement in sexual harassment education. The awards ceremony will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Mary Graydon Center, at American University. This year's outstanding awardees are: - Rebecca Walker
As an internationally recognize author, she is best known for her book Black, White and Jewish: Autobiography of a Shifting Self, which details the struggle to find her identity in a society that judges. She also is cofounder of the Third Wave Foundation that works to help women ages 15-30 with health, education, and activism. - Consuelo Kickbush
An advocate on the forefront of advancing Hispanic leaders through Educational Achievement Services, she encourages opportunities for Hispanic students. - Beverly Tatum, Ph.D.
President of Spelman College
A clinical psychologist who specializes in racial studies and its impact in the classroom, she leads workshops in the development of racial identity. - Eve Ensler
Award-winning author of the Vagina Monologues, she is an activist who seeks to raise awareness and stop sexual harassment and genital mutilation internationally. - Bernice Sandler
2006 NCCWSL Award for Achievement in Sexual Harassment Education
A pioneer for educational equity, she is dubbed "the Godmother of Title IX", and was the first to file sex discrimination law suits against over 250 institutions. For more information about the conference, visit www.aauw.org/nccwsl. For more information about the 2006 Women of Distinction Awards http://www.aauw.org/nccwsl/2006/wod.cfm. To arrange interviews or obtain a press pass, contact Ashley Carr at (202) 785-7745 or carra@aauw.org ###
The American Association of University Women, with its nationwide network of more than 100,000 members,1,300 branches, and 500 college and university partners, has been a leading advocate for equity for women and girls since 1881. AAUW proudly celebrates its 125th anniversary this year — a legacy of leadership. www.aauw.org Because equity is still an issueTM | 
