Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04/04/2011
Contact:
Katie Broendel, broendelk@aauw.org
202/785-7761
Lisa Goodnight, goodnightl@aauw.org
202/785-7738
AAUW Applauds Release of ED Guidelines on Sexual Violence
AAUW also Responds to Investigation at Yale University
WASHINGTON — Lisa Maatz, the top public policy adviser for the American Association of University Women (AAUW), is available to comment on the Title IX sexual violence guidelines issued today by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights. The guidelines make clear to schools their obligation to prevent and respond to sexual violence under Title IX's provisions on sexual harassment.
Every year the Department of Education receives numerous sexual violence complaints. On Friday, the department announced that it is currently investigating a complaint brought by students at Yale University regarding sexual harassment on campus. As Lisa Maatz said in an interview today on Good Morning America, "Do these women feel safe? Do they feel like they can take advantage of the educational opportunities on their campus? Right now, according to the complainants, the answer is no."
AAUW has worked for years to prevent sexual violence on campus. Visit AAUW's Legal Advocacy Fund web page to learn more.
To schedule an interview with Lisa Maatz, please contact Katie Broendel at broendelk@aauw.org or 202/785-7761 or Lisa Goodnight at goodnightl@aauw.org or 202/785-7738.
About Lisa Maatz
Lisa Maatz, AAUW director of public policy and government relations, works to advance AAUW's priority issues on Capitol Hill, through the executive branch, and in coalition with other organizations. Her areas of expertise include civil rights issues related to women and girls. She recently contributed to Secrets of Powerful Women: Leading Change for a New Generation, a collection of 24 essays on the secrets to success. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Ohio University, has two master's degrees from Ohio State, and holds an adjunct appointment with the Women and Politics Institute at American University.
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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 600 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.