Davis Youth Softball Association and Civil Rights Nonprofit Organizations Reach Agreement with City of Davis Regarding Gender-Based Equity in Community Sports 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONTACT: Jenny Tan, jtan@cityofdavis.org, 530-400-7814 Jennifer Martinez, davissoftballpresident@gmail.com Elizabeth Kristen, ekristen@legalaidatwork.org, 415-593-0052 Harriet Fischer, harriet.fischer@cwlc.org, 323-951-1041  October 27, 2022 —As part of a settlement with Davis Youth Softball Association (DYSA), the City of Davis (City) has agreed to address allegations of noncompliance with California State Law, specifically Assembly Bill 2404 (AB 2404 or the “Fair Play in
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Handbags of Hope 2022

CWLC, in partnership with Handbags of Hope, is supporting survivors this year by collecting new and gently used handbags filled with toiletries, personal care items, and a $15 gift card. The handbags will be distributed to domestic violence shelters throughout Los Angeles. To help support survivors of domestic violence and participate in our Handbags of
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California holds Social Media Companies Accountable

This week Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 587, a first-of-its-kind social media transparency measure. Earlier this summer, CWLC Executive Director Betsy Butler joined Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), community leaders, and civil rights organizations at a press conference to advance the passage of this measure. AB 587 will establish greater transparency from social media
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California Abortion Access Website

Abortion remains safe and legal in California. This morning, Governor Newsom and California reproductive justice leaders launched an important new resource that facilitates abortion care accessibility for California residents and anyone traveling to our state for care. Today, as the US Senate introduced legislation that seeks to outlaw abortion in every state, California continues to
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Training: Gender Equity In Sports: Title IX and California’s AB 2404 (The “Fair Play Act”)

Title IX turns 50 this year, but despite the landmark federal law’s prohibition of sex-based discrimination in school or education programs receiving federal funds, female students and youth still face widespread inequities in sports access across California and the nation. This webinar will discuss the laws that mandate equal opportunity, treatment, and benefits for students
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Supreme Court Eliminates Constitutional Right to Abortion

Today, the Supreme Court released its final opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey and eliminating the federal constitutional right to abortion in the United States.  Deeply disappointing, this opinion does not come as a surprise following the leak of a draft of the decision
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CWLC and the Feminist Majority Co-Sponsor Equal Rights Amendment Study Resolution

As the fight for equality continues at the federal level, the California Women’s Law Center is proud to co-sponsor, with the Feminist Majority, Senate Concurrent Resolution 92 introduced March 30, 2022, by State Senator Connie Leyva. This important resolution will direct the California Law Revision Commission to identify, and propose legislation to remedy, any California laws
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2022 Pursuit of Justice Awards

The California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Pursuit of Justice Awards: California’s Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and Amed Khan. The Abby J. Leibman Pursuit of Justice Award is bestowed annually and recognizes leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the advancement of gender equality. The 2022 recipients of this prestigious award
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CWLC discusses Equal Pay Day and the Gender Pay Gap

March 15, 2022 marked Women’s Equal Pay Day – the day we recognize that the average woman in the United State must work into the next calendar year to earn the amount an average man made in the previous year. Women in the U.S. are paid 83 cents for every dollar paid to their male
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The Period Project with Ms. Magazine

Accessible and affordable menstrual products remain out of reach for millions. California Women’s Law Center partnered with Ms. Magazine to create the #MsPeriodProject— to shed light on the states where the most work is needed to end period poverty and ensure free menstrual products for all who need them. #MsPeriodProject is a 3-part series exploring
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“A Guide to Federal and California State Sexual Discrimination, Harassment, and Assault Laws”

The California Women’s Law Center is proud to announce the updated 2022 release of our comprehensive legal guide, A Guide to Federal and California Sex-Based Discrimination, Harassment, and Assault Laws (2022). This Guide identifies and outlines various claims that can be brought for sexual discrimination, harassment, and assault under federal and California state law. Designated for use by
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Confronting American Health Disparities: Access to Abortion and Health Care in the United States

The California Women’s Law Center is holding a number of panel discussions this year with the UC Irvine Center for Biotechnology & Global Health Policy and Ms. Magazine addressing women’s health disparities. Moderated by Michele Goodwin, this series focuses on many of the factors contributing to our nation’s health care inequities and the impacts they
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Confronting American Health Disparities: Race, Class & Maternal Mortality

The California Women’s Law Center is holding a number of panel discussions this year with the UC Irvine Center for Biotechnology & Global Health Policy and Ms. Magazine addressing women’s health disparities. Moderated by Michele Goodwin, this series focuses on many of the factors contributing to our nation’s health care inequities and the impacts they
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A Year in Review

Dear Friend,  On behalf of the Board and staff, the California Women’s Law Center wishes you and yours a safe and healthy holiday season. And, although we remain on high alert regarding the status of the pandemic and its variants, we hope you are able to safely gather with friends and family this year.With your
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CWLC Speaks to NBC 7 About Abortion Rights

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument on December 1, 2021 in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the first case the Court has considered on the constitutionality of a pre-viability abortion ban since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973.  CWLC Senior Staff Attorney, Chelsea Mutual, spoke to NBC 7 San Diego about the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s
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CWLC Responds to the U.S. Supreme Court Oral Argument on Abortion

“Will this institution survive the stench that this creates in the public perception that the Constitution and its reading are just political acts?” – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument yesterday in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the first case the Court has considered on the constitutionality of
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New Report on Crisis Pregnancy Centers Featured in Ms. Magazine

Earlier this week CWLC and our partners at The Alliance: State Advocates for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality released a new report on the deceptive practices of crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). “Designed to Deceive: A Study of the Crisis Pregnancy Center Industry in Nine States” analyzes the activities and funding sources of CPCs which notes
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Report Shows Anti-Abortion CPCs Receive Federal and State Funding to Mislead Clients, Provide Few Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 28, 2021 CONTACT: Betsy Butler, betsy.butler@cwlc.org, 323-951-1041 Los Angeles, CA – The California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) partnered with The Alliance: State Advocates for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (The Alliance) on a newly-released report exposing how one anti-abortion strategy has been quietly unfolding for decades in states across the country,
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Pro Bono Amicus Brief by CWLC and Troutman Pepper Contributes to Major Appellate Win for Survivors of Domestic Violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2021 CONTACT:Chelsea Mutual, chelsea.mutual@cwlc.org 323-951-1041 ORANGE COUNTY, CA. – A June 2021 amicus curiae brief co-authored by the California Women’s Law Center—together with a team of Troutman Pepper attorneys working pro bono—has contributed to a powerful appellate win for survivors of domestic violence in California. The appeal sought to challenge
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Training: The Future of Title IX

Title IX, the federal law enacted in 1972, was passed to protect students from gender-based discrimination in educational settings.  However, in 2017, with the appointment of Betsy DeVos as U.S. Secretary of Education by former President Donald Trump, multiple changes were made to the regulations related to campus sexual assault and harassment which effectively limited
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CWLC and our allies publish a piece in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health Journal about Crisis Pregnancy Centers

CWLC is participating in a coalition of state-based law and national policy centers working to ensure equitable access to evidence-based reproductive health care and efforts to secure transparency and accountability in government-funded programs for pregnant people.  On August 27th, a piece written by CWLC and our allies was published in the BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health Journal
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Civil Rights Nonprofit Organizations and City of Santee Work to Ensure Gender-Based Athletic Equity in Community Sports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 5, 2021 CONTACT:Kim Turner – 415-593-0054kturner@legalaidatwork.orgBill Maertz – 619-258-4100bmaertz@cityofsanteeca.govBetsy Butler – 323-951-1041betsy.butler@cwlc.org Civil Rights Nonprofit Organizations and City of Santee Work to Ensure Gender-Based Athletic Equity in Community Sports Agreement to Help Instill a Level Playing Field for City’s Girls Santee (August 5, 2021) – The City of Santee, California (“Santee” or “City”), Legal Aid At Work’s Fair Play
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CWLC and ERA advocate for the rights of victims before California Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 16, 2021 CONTACT: Amy Poyer, amy.poyer@cwlc.org, 323-951-1041 LOS ANGELES, CA — California Women’s Law Center and Equal Rights Advocates, represented by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, earlier this month filed an important amicus brief in support of the University of Southern California before the California Supreme Court in Boermeester v. Carry.  The issue before
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Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: A Follow Up on the Challenges Ahead

This webinar will follow up on our April 29, 2021 Primer on Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in California. During the pandemic, the already serious public health crisis of domestic violence has been thrust further into the spotlight. This “bite size” webinar will focus on the challenges COVID-19 has presented for survivors and the potential legal
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Troutman Pepper Pro Bono Team Files Amicus Brief on Behalf of California Women’s Law Center and 24 Nationwide Co-Signatories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 23, 2021 CONTACT:Amy Poyer, amy.poyer@cwlc.org, 323-951-1041 ORANGE COUNTY, CA—On June 17, 2021, a Troutman Pepper pro bono team filed an amicus curiae brief in California’s Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three, on behalf of the California Women’s Law Center and 24 supporting co-signatories from around the country, including the Battered
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Training: Equal Pay Laws: What You Need to Know

Please join CWLC Senior Staff Attorney, Amy Poyer and Jessica Ramey Stender of Equal Rights Advocates for a webinar that will address what attorneys need to know concerning equal pay legislation and case law. This is a rapidly changing legal landscape that attorneys working in multiple industries should have a working knowledge of, including: employment
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CWLC settles with Vista Unified School District over Title IX dispute

Amy Poyer, Senior Staff Attorney for the California Women’s Law Center, was recently interviewed by ABC 10 San Diego about the Vista Unified School District Title IX athletics settlement involving female athletes at Vista High School. The girls’ softball team had inferior facilities, equipment, scheduling, promotion, and participation gap in comparison to the boys’ baseball team and other boys’ sports
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California Women’s Law Center Reaches Agreement to Level the Playing Field at Vista High School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 25, 2021 CONTACT:Amy Poyer, amy.poyer@cwlc.org, 323-951-1041Kim Turner, kturner@legalaidatwork.org, 415-593-0054 California Women’s Law Center Reaches Agreement to Level the Playing Field at Vista High SchoolAgreement to Create a Level Playing Field for Girls Vista, CA: The Vista Unified School District is focused on their commitment to equity as a district value. To that
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CWLC Executive Director Speaks at SAGE’s Southern California Virtual Town Hall

On April 22, 2021 CWLC Executive Director Betsy Butler spoke with SAGE for their Southern California Virtual Town Hall about California’s aging LGBT population and the policy changes taking place to help ensure older residents live with dignity and respect. Watch the discussion with the panelists here.

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: A Legal Primer and Challenges Ahead

During the pandemic, the already serious public health crisis of domestic violence has been thrust further into the spotlight.  In this webinar we will explain and explore one effective tool for addressing domestic violence: a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO). We will give an overview on current law and procedure on who and what qualifies
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Speaker Series: Persisting in the Struggle for Equality

On March 29, 2021, the California Women’s Law Center was delighted to host a Speaker Series with Dolores Huerta, Lilly Ledbetter, and Supervisor Hilda Solis. This event was moderated by Betsy Butler, CWLC and Kathy Spillar, Feminist Majority Foundation. The conversation honored Women’s History month and our panel of trailblazing women’s rights advocates who discussed
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California Women’s Law Center Releases Statewide Breastfeeding Report Card for California School Districts

For Immediate Release February 24, 2021Contact: cwlc@cwlc.org, 323-951-1041 California Women’s Law Center Releases Statewide Breastfeeding Report Card for California School Districts LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2021 – The California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) is releasing an analysis of the status of lactation accommodation policies in 414 California K-12 public school districts in 57 of the
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Speaker Series: The 28th Amendment: The Final Push for the ERA

On March 31, 2021, the California Women’s Law Center was excited to host a Speaker Series with Linda Coberly, Professor Julie Suk, and Kate Kelly. The event was moderated by Kathy Spillar, Feminist Majority Foundation. The conversation honored Women’s History Month and discussed the history of the ERA, the current status of the ERA, and
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A CWLC Update: Breastfeeding Access in California

Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both mother and child. Despite laws requiring that workplaces and schools provide lactation accommodations, many new mothers are not aware of their rights and drop out of school, often because of barriers to breastfeeding goals. Compliance with the law is crucial to ensure students and employees know their rights and how to exercise them, allowing moms to care for
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CWLC condemns U.S. Department of Education memorandum on historic Bostock v. Clayton County decision by U.S. Supreme Court on Title VII and Title IX

The U.S. Department of Education recently released a memorandum stating that the historic Bostock v. Clayton County decision, handed down by the United States Supreme Court last June, does not prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in schools. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bars discrimination “because of sex” in the workplace and Title IX of the
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Gender Equity in Sports During Covid-19: A Review

Girls and young women who play sports benefit in many ways: they get better grades, earn higher wages later in life, and have better health outcomes. Almost 20 years ago, California enacted the Fair Play in Community Sports Act, requiring local youth sports programs to provide equal opportunities, treatment, and benefits to girls and boys
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CWLC comments on the importance of collecting pay data in California

Amy Poyer, Senior Staff Attorney for the California Women’s Law Center, talked with Law360 about the importance of Senate Bill 973 which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September. The bill seeks to address wage disparities in California by requiring large employers to submit annual pay data sorted by gender, race, ethnicity and job category to the Department of Fair Employment
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CWLC Speaker Series with Congressman Adam Schiff

On December 16, 2020, The California Women’s Law Center was delighted to host a Speaker Series with Congressman Adam Schiff which was moderated by Brad Sears of UCLA Law School.    The conversation underscored a number of pressing issues impacting women, families and the LGBTQ community as well as a discussion about the economic challenges we are experiencing due to COVID-19.   To
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CWLC teams up with LA Sparks for Pay Equity Panel

California Women’s Law Center is expanding a number of partnerships to be more effective advocates for women and girls. We are particularly proud of our strengthened relationship with WNBA Champions the Los Angeles Sparks. We are grateful the LA Sparks are using their platform to strengthen our communities via their #WeAreGirls Workshop, which seeks to
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Speaker Series with Congressman Adam Schiff

The California Women’s Law Center’s Speaker Series presents Congressman Adam Schiff, 28th Congressional District. With Co-Hosts:Blain & AssociatesFEM Law GroupLaw Offices of Victor GeorgeDiana Hughes Leiden & Adam Leiden DECEMBER 16, 2020 AT 2:30 PM Moderated by Brad Sears, Associate Dean of Public Interest Law at UCLA; David Sanders Distinguished Scholar of Law & Policy
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