AAUW works to break down educational and economic barriers so ALL women have a fair chance.
This Value Promise guides case support decisions for LAF's expansion from a focus only on cases arising in the academic context to considering those that arise in any workplace. Along with this expansion, LAF is concentrating on identifying strategic cases that may provide significant protection for women in the future (for details, please read the Updated LAF Briefing, Dec. 2008). Consistent with these transitions, LAF has instituted new procedures for establishing case support eligibility.
Now, to be eligible for LAF support, cases must:
- Address a workplace issue within AAUW’s mission such as discrimination related to economic security, education, civil rights, or Title IX. The workplace can include college and university campuses.
- Have the potential for significance with respect to future cases and the likelihood to set or reinforce precedent that will discourage gender discrimination and benefit women.
- Be filed in state or federal court, preferably at the appellate level.
- Request support to advance the legal case. Financial support will not be provided to reimburse personal expenditures.
- Have litigants who are willing to engage in branch visits and make appropriate public appearances with AAUW.
- Allow AAUW to publicize support for the case internally and externally, including in the media, on the website, and in electronic and print communications.
AAUW offers both financial and nonfinancial support to selected applicants, including funding for:
- Court filing fees
- Preparation of briefs, filings, and other case-based costs
- Plaintiff court travel
- Specified immediate essential plaintiff needs
AAUW can also offer nonfinancial support, including:
- Signatory of an amicus brief
- An official statement of support
- AAUW members at the court
- AAUW members at a rally
Case recommendations are welcome from many sources, including collaborating organizations, lawyers familiar with appropriate cases, AAUW members, and AAUW affiliates who have knowledge of important cases. If you fall within one of these groups and would like to make a recommendation, please contact laf@aauw.org and you will receive a Case Recommendation form to submit for screening. Forms are accepted on a rolling basis. If the case meets the initial case support criteria, applicants will receive a more thorough application to complete and submit. The LAF Review process will determine its suitability for LAF support.
Questions?
- Read the Updated LAF Briefing for more information about the LAF case support program transition.
- For additional information about LAF case support or to request a Recommendation form, please e-mail laf@aauw.org or call 202/785-7719.
