Posted under Photo Gallery
This post was written by janetw on July 16, 2010
“Quality Public Education is the foundation of a democratic society”
July 2, 2010
This message is a call to action for supporters of public education who are being asked to contact Senator Carl Levin’s office to show opposition to vouchers. See the contact information below.
AAUW has a long history of opposition to vouchers in public education. In the 2009-2011 AAUW Public Policy Program the Public Policy Principles for Action specify that, “AAUW believes that quality public education is the foundation of a democratic society.” In the Biennial Action Priorities the text reads, “To support a strong system of public education that promotes gender fairness, equity, and diversity, AAUW advocates opposition to the use of public funds for nonpublic elementary and secondary education.”
I was recently informed, by Kathleen Straus, President of the Michigan State Board of Education, who had been in consultation with Roberta Stanley, Director of Federal Affairs at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) in Washingto, D.C., that there is a provision in the Department of Defense budget bill that would provide VOUCHERS for special education students who are dependents of service personnel. The provision would put the Senate on record supporting vouchers, and could potentially set a dangerous precedent.
The strategy in dealing with the bill seems to be to let the provision pass in the Senate, then work to remove it in conference committee. However, there is no assurance that the proposed strategy will work.
I have been in communication with Lecia Imbery, AAUW Public Policy Grassroots Advocacy Coordinator, who assured me that her office is working with Roberta Stanley at NSBA and trying to get the voucher provision removed from the bill. She suggested that phone calls or personal contacts from Michigan constituents would be helpful to national AAUW efforts. Please contact Senator Levin’s office and request that the voucher provisions be removed from the bill.
Senator Car Levin
269 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C., 20510
Phone (202) 224-6221
Fax: (202) 224-1388
www.levin.senate.gov
Thank you for your participation on this important issue.
Barbara Bonsignore
AAUW of Michigan Public Policy Director
2665 Steamboat Springs Drive
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
E-mail: bjbaauw1@aol.com
Posted under Education
This post was written by janetw on July 8, 2010
Finding Balance
Image Credit: John Ritter
Author Hanna Rosin’s recent Atlantic Magazine cover story examines the impact the changing workplace is having on men, as women make gains under the shifting economic landscape. Are women more suited and better able to perform in the postindustrial economy? And, how do organizations like AAUW adapt its advocacy and programs without appearing/sounding or being anti-male?
Katha Pollitt of THE NATION, reassures male readers that Rosin’s article is not about the “extinction of men, Women on Topbut about men’s declining economic ability to dominate women and various sociocultural consequences.”
Yes, the world is a changin’ and former rules of engagement and division of labor continue to evolve and fall in favor of new ones. Hopefully, what will emerge is something more balanced and equitable.
What are your thoughts? Join the conversation!
Janet Watkins
Posted under AAUW of Michigan, Equity in the News, Women and Work
This post was written by janetw on July 1, 2010
How to navigate the AAUWMI Blog
Navigating the AAUWMI blog is easy. It is a great place and way to express your thoughts and ideas about the issues you want to share with other readers. You can include media such as photos, video, and audio. Just click the desired icon in the tool bar next to Add media above. Change font, add quote marks, align text, bullet or number a list, etc…
Posted under AAUW of Michigan
This post was written by janetw on August 8, 2009
