2017 Amicus Briefs Summary

In 2017, CWLC participated in thirty amicus briefs addressing a variety of legal issues affecting justice and equality for women and girls.  These briefs were filed in the California Court of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, multiple federal District and Circuit courts, and even the United States Supreme Court. The issues addressed by the briefs included Title IX campus sexual assault and cyber harassment, women’s reproductive health, domestic violence, LGBTQ employment discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and transgender veterans.

Learn More About CWLC’s 2018 Legislative Accomplishments

Learn more about CWLC’s policy advocacy for the 2018 legislative session.

2016 Amicus Briefs Summary

In 2016, CWLC participated in eighteen amicus briefs addressing a variety of legal issues affecting justice and equality for women and girls. These briefs were filed in the California Court of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, multiple federal District and Circuit courts, and even the United States Supreme Court. The issues addressed by the briefs included women’s reproductive health, domestic violence, LGBTQ employment discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and discriminatory enforcement of prostitution offenses.

Teen Dating Violence: Know Your Rights (2010)

This resource explains the pervasiveness of teen dating violence, how schools need to address the issue, schools’ legal duties, and information regarding Title IX.

Free Legal Housing Clinic

CWLC hosted a Free Legal Housing Clinic for residents of the Beach Cities.

Supervisor Hilda Solis Recognizes Pico Union Project (PUP)

Supervisor Hilda Solis recognized the Pico Union Project (PUP) at the Board of Supervisors meeting led on May 24, 2017. Betsy Butler, CWLC Executive Director, was proud to help introduce PUP and acknowledge the inter-faith, multicultural jewel they are and to thank them for their commitment and generosity to the community. Support and learn more
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2017 Pursuit of Justice Awards

The California Women’s Law Center was honored to recognize amazing leaders and champions who are pursuing justice for women and girls: The Actors’ Gang Prison Project, California State Senator Connie M. Leyva, and the Los Angeles Sparks. Sponsorship opportunities available.

Gun Violence & Trauma Town Hall Meeting

CWLC and UCI Law School hosted a Town Hall Meeting about gun violence and trauma at the Feminist Majority Foundation. Led by Michele Goodwin, UCI Law School Professor and Director for the Center for Biotechnology and Global Health Policy, there were important discussions with policy makers, academics, advocates, and law enforcement.

Training: “The Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Students Under Title IX and California Law”

This informational webinar reviewed the laws protecting pregnant and parenting students in California to enable practitioners to identify and remedy these harmful forms of discrimination, shared the results of the ABC’s of Breastfeeding Report Card grading lactation accommodations in K-12 schools in Los Angeles County, and discussed next steps in expanding the impact of the report card.

West Hollywood Women’s Leadership Conference

Please join the California Women’s Law Center in supporting the City of West Hollywood’s 11th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference & Network on Saturday, May 13, 2017. The Women’s Leadership Conference features a day of dynamic speakers, panel discussions, trainings and workshops.

CWLC Joins Women’s Organizations in Title IX Amicus Brief

CWLC joined thirteen other women’s rights organizations in an amicus brief opposing an attempt by seven states (Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina and Texas) to evade their Title IX responsibilities at state schools by claiming there is governmental immunity against such actions.

Asian American Women Equal Pay Day

Today is Asian American Women’s Equal Pay Day, which means Asian American women’s salaries are just catching up to what white men made in 2016. Compared to their white male counterparts, Asian American women working full time typically are only paid 85 cents for every dollar paid to white men.

CWLC Celebrates Women’s History Month

March is a month of reflection and appreciation for women, but it is also a month of action. Please join us as we celebrate the gains women have made since our country was founded and know that CWLC will be on the frontlines to stop any attempt to force women backward or diminish our possibilities. Together, we will be successful in our mission to ensure the future is bright and full of opportunity for every woman and every girl in the nation.

Insightful Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin

The California Women’s Law Center hosted a Distinguished Guest Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinksy and Michele Goodwin of UCI School of Law on February 22, 2017 at the Feminist Majority Foundation in Beverly Hills. Their presentation titled “Forecasting Reproductive Health and Rights in the Era of President Trump” was incredibly insightful and well-attended. Thank you, Dean Chemerinsky and Professor Goodwin!

2017 Pursuit of Justice Honorees Announced

The California Women’s Law Center is honored to recognize amazing leaders and champions who are pursuing justice for women and girls at our 2017 Pursuit of Justice Awards: The Actors’ Gang Prison Project, California State Senator Connie M. Leyva, and the Los Angeles Sparks.

Distinguished Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin of UCI School of Law

On February 22, 2017, the California Women’s Law Center and our sponsors Sleeping Lion, Inc. and Lois & Jim Thompson and co-hosts Cathy Kim & Matthew Kelly and Rasha Gerges Shields hosted a Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin titled “Forecasting Reproductive Health and Rights in the Era of President Trump.”

“Audrie & Daisy: A Netflix Documentary” Film Screening

The California Women’s Law Center invited individuals to attend a screening of the Sundance-nominated film Audrie & Daisy: A Netflix Documentary. This documentary film will raise the awareness of our parents, students and community on the topics of underage drinking, sexual assault, cyber-bullying and suicide.

Fall Update 2016

IN THIS ISSUE… Passage of SB 813 – Eliminating the Statute of Limitations of Rape and Other Sex Related Crimes, Training Webinar: Join Us November 9th!, Distinguished Speaker Series with David Codell: November 16th, October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month, CWLC and the Los Angeles Sparks #WeAreWomen Campaign

All Access: Local Stories

On Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the Barnsdall Theater in Los Angeles, CWLC and the Los Angeles Coalition for Reproductive Justice (LACRJ) hosted a free, multi-cultural, multi-generational storytelling evening highlighting the stories of women and girls. As we approached the 40th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment …

Summer Update 2016

IN THIS ISSUE… 2016 Annual Pursuit of Justice Awards, “Aging, Women and Poverty In California” Forum, CWLC and LA Sparks #WeAreWomen Campaign, CWLC Participates in the First United State of Women Summit, CWLC Celebrates Title IX 43rd Anniversary at the Getty House, CWLC Advocacy and Legislative Update, Erika Norman joins CWLC Board, Amy Poyer joins CWLC Staff, Executive Director’s Message

Spring Update 2016

IN THIS ISSUE… 2016 Annual Pursuit of Justice Awards- Tuesday May 17, 2016, “Aging, Women and Poverty in California” Forum- Friday June 3, 2016, CWLC Distinguished Guest Speaker – David Codell’s insight about the United States Supreme Court, CWLC Advocacy – The 2016 Legislative Session, Lisa Gilford joins CWLC Board, Grace Clark and Madeleine Sharp join CWLC staff

Ortiz Amicus Brief

Ortiz Amicus

Be Part of History

As a proud ambassador of the #WeAreWomen campaign, the California Women’s Law Center hopes you will also support this effort to fill the Staples Center on Sunday, August 30, 2015. The Los Angeles Sparks women’s professional basketball organization wants to help recognize the everyday women who are serving as pioneers, business leaders and community activists.

Clayton Valley Charter High School Title IX Case

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – A settlement has been reached between Clayton Valley Charter High School (Clayton High) and its female athletes to increase equality in high school athletic opportunities, treatment and benefits. Clayton High has agreed to: improve and maintain equitable athletic facilities for girls and boys; offer additional girls’ athletic teams; increase outreach to girls to participate in sports; and provide additional Title IX training to its coaches and administrators, among other things.

Support the Military Justice Improvement Act – Justice for Survivors of Military Sexual Assault

The Senate is considering amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA) to reform the methods the military uses to dismiss some crimes. MJIA would put cases such as military sexual assault in the hands of independent military prosecutors instead of letting them stay in the
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Support SB 219 (Liu): Alternative Custody Program

The Honorable Ricardo Lara Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SB 219 (Liu) – Support Dear Senator Lara: I am writing in support of SB 219 (Liu). This bill will provide a durable solution to California’s prison crisis and improve families’ lives by helping to ensure all eligible state-incarcerated women can participate
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Support SB 665 (Block): Addressing Rape and Sexual Assault

The Honorable Ricardo Lara Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SB 665 (Block) – Support Dear Senator Lara: I am writing in support of SB 665 authored by Senator Marty Block. This bill will provide much needed student education and independent oversight of the Title IX process to address and prevent abuses at
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CWLC, LAS-ELC and Simpson Thacher Urge Santa Paula School to Ensure it Provides Equal Sports Opportunities to Girls

The most recent data from the federal Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights’ website indicates that at Santa Paula High School fewer girls played sports than boys in relation to enrollment.

According to the Department website comprised of data compiled from high schools, 50.4% of students are girls, yet 44.2% of the athletic program are female participants – an approximate difference of 6%.

CWLC Advocates for Women’s Economic Empowerment with A Stronger California

SACRAMENTO – Economic equality, poverty, and child care advocates joined legislators at a press conference this week calling for new policies to help secure women’s economic empowerment in California, which will benefit families and communities across the state. The advocates and elected leaders are asking state policymakers to support an agenda in the coming year that approaches women’s economic opportunities across multiple policy areas. A Stronger California is the multi-year campaign advocating for this coordinated and comprehensive set of policies.

Spring 2015 Update

IN THIS ISSUE: CWLC Honors Dolores Huerta, Lilly Ledbetter and Peg Yorkin, CWLC’s Film Screening of The Hunting Ground, Columbia Law Students Visit CWLC, CWLC Presents at the Women’s Veterans Summit, #WeAreStrong Campaign with the Los Angeles Sparks

Support SB 406 (Jackson): Employment: Leave

  The Honorable Hannah-Beth Jackson State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SB 406 (Jackson) – Support Dear Senator Jackson: I am writing in support of SB 406. This bill will extend job-protected leave to more California workers when they need to take time off to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with
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Winter 2015 Update

IN THIS ISSUE: CWLC Attorneys Receive Award for Ollier v. Sweetwater, Distinguished Guest Speaker Series with Amy Ziering, Inaugural Los Angeles County Veteran & Families Stand Down, CWLC Hosts Biannual Alliance Meeting, CWLC Attends the California Women’s Policy Summit, 42nd Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Press Conference, The Global Struggle for Women’s Equality Symposium, CWLC Welcomes Michele Deane

2014: A Year in Review

IN THIS ISSUE: CWLC’s Annual “Clothes the Deal” Clothing Drive, Leading the Struggle for Equal Access in Schools, Fighting for Pregnant Students, Serving Women Veterans, New Approaches in the Fight for Reproductive Justice, Connecting Advocates with New Ideas

Partner Event: Los Angeles Coalition Against Wage Theft – Wage Theft Ordinance Hearing Press Conference

On Tuesday, December 9th, the Wage Theft Ordinance will be heard in the Economic Development Committee at City Hall. The Los Angeles Coalition Against Wage Theft needs your support to show City Councilmembers that Los Angeles needs an anti-wage theft policy now. Our partners will be hosting a press conference at City Hall at 12:30pm
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From LA Progressive: What Skeletons Does Hobby Lobby Have in Its Closet?

What Skeletons Does Hobby Lobby Have in Its Closet? By Maya Paley, National Council of Jewish Women/Los Angeles This past Saturday, the Reproductive Justice Coalition of Los Angeles (RJCLA), held a protest at the Burbank Hobby Lobby store: Hobby Lobby and Contraception: What skeletons does Hobby Lobby have in its closet? Nearly 25 people came representing
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Distinguished Guest Speaker Series 2014 – Dean Erwin Chemerinsky

Please Join Our Sponsors THE LAW OFFICES OF VICTOR L. GEORGE CATHY KIM & MATTHEW KELLY For the California Women’s Law Center Distinguished Guest Speaker Series Featuring Dean Erwin Chemerinsky Dean & Distinguished Professor UCI Law School Discussing “The Supreme Court and Women’s Rights” Wednesday, November 5th, 2014 5:30 pm – Reception and Light Dinner
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Partner Event: Hobby Lobby & Contraception: What Skeletons Does Hobby Lobby Have in Its Closet?

The Reproductive Justice Coalition of Los Angeles is hosting: Hobby Lobby & Contraception: What Skeletons Does Hobby Lobby Have in Its Closet? Did you know that Hobby Lobby, a corporation, opposes certain forms of contraception on religious grounds? So much that they took their protest of the ACA’s contraceptive mandate to the Supreme Court? And won?!
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Title IX Victory: Ninth Circuit Finds Sweetwater Union High School District in Violation

CWLC along with our partners at the Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center (LAS-ELC) and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, are excited to share another victory in our Title IX class action suit in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday. This September, the Ninth Circuit awarded a class of female athletes, represented by CWLC
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Partner Event: Pepperdine School of Law – Student Life, Relationships and the Law: Confronting Domestic Violence in Higher Education

Pepperdine University School of Law welcomes you to this gathering to address domestic violence in higher education. Panelists will explore various aspects of domestic violence on our college campuses and discuss how universities should respond to the epidemic of dating and intimate partner violence on campus. This conference will address domestic and intimate partner violence
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From U-T San Diego: Appeals Court Upholds Title IX Ruling Against Sweetwater

Appeals Court Upholds Title IX Ruling Against Sweetwater School district was accused of violating gender-equity laws at Castle Park High by not offering female athletes with equal amenities By Allison Sampite-Monteclavo, U-T San Diego Chula Vista — The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday upheld a 2012 ruling that the Sweetwater Union High School District violated
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