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Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/06/2011

Contact:
Katie Broendel, broendelk@aauw.org
202/785-7761

Lisa Goodnight, goodnightl@aauw.org
202/785-7738

 

AAUW Funds Seven Campus Action Projects
Renowned Programs Will Address Sexual Harassment in Middle and High Schools

WASHINGTON — The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has awarded $28,000 in Campus Action Project grants to seven institutions across the country. The grants will fund programs that focus on addressing and preventing sexual harassment in middle and high schools during the 2011–12 academic year.

AAUW's newly released research report, Crossing the Line: Sexual Harassment at School, found that during the 2010–11 school year, 48 percent of surveyed students in grades 7–12 experienced sexual harassment, including 56 percent of girls and 40 percent of boys. Of the sexually harassed students, 87 percent said it had a negative effect on them — from making it hard for them to study to making them not want to go to school. Twelve percent said they had missed school and 4 percent had changed schools because of the harassment. Most students thought their schools could do more to address and prevent sexual harassment through policies, education, and online resources.

The report's findings and recommendations will guide the Campus Action Project teams as they focus on the issues raised by this groundbreaking research.

"Crossing the Line is sounding a call to action, and these teams are answering that call," said Kate C. Farrar, AAUW director of leadership programs. "These teams represent great examples of how campus staff and faculty, students, and AAUW members can work together to ensure that our schools are safe for our children."

AAUW picked seven projects from around the country that focus on addressing the prevalent problem of sexual harassment in middle and high schools. The projects will include focus groups with students and the development of workshops, materials, and documentaries to help educate students and communities about sexual harassment and how to prevent it.

In addition to funding the projects, AAUW will pay for one member of each team to speak at the 2012 National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. The conference, hosted by AAUW and NASPA, helps women students connect with each other and with successful role models while honing leadership skills for their work on campus and in their communities.

The AAUW Campus Action Project grant recipients for 2011–12 are

  • Dakota State University, South Dakota
  • Jefferson Community College, New York
  • Millersville University, Pennsylvania
  • Pacific Lutheran University, Washington
  • Saint Mary’s College, Indiana
  • University of Central Florida
  • University of Kentucky

For more information on Campus Action Projects and for details on this year’s teams, visit www.aauw.org/connect/cap/crossingthelineteams.cfm.



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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been one of the nation's leading voices promoting education and equity for women and girls. AAUW has a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 500 college/university institutional partners. Since AAUW's founding 130 years ago, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW's commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships, and international connections.

Research Report

Crossing the Line presents new data on sexual harassment in schools.

Learn more »