American Association of University Women-Montana

Public Policy Program, 2006-2008

This American Association of University Women-Montana public policy program was approved May 20, 2006, by delegates to the biennial Convention in Polson.  It forms the basis for all public policy advocacy activities of AAUW in Montana. 

To support a strong system of PUBLIC EDUCATION that promotes gender fairness, equity, and diversity, AAUW-MT advocates:

·         Adequate and equitable funding for quality public education for all students with full funding of mandated programs.

·         Increased support for and access to higher education.

·         Promotion and protection of academic freedom.

·         Vigorous enforcement of Title IX.

·         Public school programs that focus on the educational needs of all women and girls for career preparation, the full participation of girls in science, math and technology programs, and training in diversity for all students.

·         Community and school programs that ensure that schools are safe for all students, regardless of race, creed, disability and, especially, gender and sexual identity or orientation.

·         Utilization and acceptance of federal funds for special programs and needs.

·         Funding for the education of gifted and talented students.

·         Funding for educational research and basic research in science.

·         Funding for and access to arts, reading and writing programs for both boys and girls in all levels of public education.

·         Establishing and enforcing standards for home, charter, and private schools that are consistent with the standards of the Office of Public Instruction.

·         Vigorous implementation and full funding of Montana’s constitutionally mandated (American) “Indian Education for All” educational requirements.

·         State reimbursement of full day kindergarten.

And opposes:

·         The use of public monies to fund private educational alternatives.

·         Censorship and requirements that schools and libraries report on the reading and research activities of their students and patrons.

To guarantee EQUALITY AND INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS for a diverse society, AAUW-MT advocates:

·         Affirmative action, elimination of all forms of discrimination, and inclusion of sexual orientation as a protected class in the Montana Human Rights Act.

·         Gender balance, racial parity, and representation of low income levels in appointments to state boards and committees.

·         Accessible and affordable health services, including parental, child, preventive, and psychological care.

·         Self-determination in one’s reproductive life, access to full reproductive health care services, and protection of privacy in one’s health and reproductive choices.

·         Reforming hate crime statutes to include coverage of gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. 

·         Freedom from violence, harassment, and intimidation in home, schools, workplaces, and communities.

·         Programs that address the underlying causes of crime, violence, and abuse.

·         Eradication of sexual harassment and bullying through training programs, policy development, and enforcement policies in the community, workplace, and educational institutions.

·         Strong support for legal services at local, state, and national levels.

·         Vigorous defense of civil and constitutional rights.

And opposes:

·         Efforts to limit civil rights for gays and lesbians.

·         Unwarranted governmental surveillance on individual citizens.

To achieve ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY FOR ALL WOMEN, AAUW-MT advocates:

·         Prohibition of employment discrimination to ensure equitable access to and advancement in employment.

·         Vigorous enforcement of anti-discrimination statutes.

·         Fairness in compensation, including enforcement of Montana’s 1983 Comparable Worth legislation.

·         Access to high quality, affordable dependent care.

·         Programs that provide women with education, training, and support for success in the workforce.

·         Programs that improve access to post-secondary education, career development, child care, and increased earning potential for persons making the transition from public assistance to self-sufficiency.

·         Social Security and Medicare reform that guarantee retirement security for women and all low wage workers.

·         Measures to ensure legal recognition and financial benefits for unpaid work.

·         Continued governmental support of small business.

·         Affordable housing.

·         Protection of environmental quality.

·         Development and maintenance of adequate infrastructure in MT.

·         Tax policy that provides for funding of essential state services.

And opposes:

·         Weakening or eliminating the state’s non-gender insurance laws.

·         Any laws or initiatives such as TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) or SOS (Stop Over Spending) that, in the name of tax relief, reduce or eliminate government programs and services for women, children, and the poor.

To promote the ARTS and HUMANITIES, AAUW-MT advocates:

·         Adequate funding of cultural and aesthetic projects, public radio, public television, and public organizations which support the arts and humanities, including but not limited to the Montana Arts Council, the Montana Committee for the Humanities, and the Montana Historical Society.

·         Adequate funding for basic research in the arts and humanities.

And opposes:

·         All forms of censorship of the arts.