AAUW Maryland Public Policy Platform for 2009-2011

Approved April 18, 2009

Public Policy Principles for Action:

The Public Policy Program of AAUW Maryland builds on 67 years (November 1942) of responsible participation in the formation of public policy.  It underscores AAUW’s mission:  equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.  The State program supports the principles and action priorities of the Action priorities of the Association’s Public Policy Program.

AAUW Maryland understands that true equity requires a balance between the rights of those individual and the needs of the community.  We support protection of civil rights of the individual and oppose all forms of discrimination, and we firmly support a fair, balanced, and independent judiciary.  We urge passage and ratification of the Equal Rights amendment to the U.S. Constitution and affirm our commitment to the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

AAUW Maryland believes that quality public education is the foundation of a Democratic society.  We advocate equity, academic freedom, protection from censorship, bias-free education, and responsible funding for all levels of public.  We recognize the achievement gap which exists with low-income and minority children and work towards solutions.  We firmly believe in the separation of church and state.

AAUW Maryland promotes the economic, social, and physical well-being of all persons.  We support public budgets that balance individual rights and responsibility to the community. We work for a clean, healthful environment, a sound economy that provides equitable employment opportunities, pay equity, a livable wage, quality affordable dependent care, paid family medical leave, decent affordable housing, affordable quality health care and freedom from violence.  We support affirmative action to improve racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.  We believe in choice in determining one’s reproductive life and support family planning programs.

AAUW Maryland supports the arts and humanities, which develop the values that perpetuate civilization and enhance our pluralistic cultural heritage. We believe the heritage of Maryland and its citizens must be preserved.

AAUW Maryland encourages the recognition of women.  We strive for equitable representation of women in policy-making positions.  We support meaningful campaign finance reform and efforts that will promote political equitable political participation, representation, and discussion to ensure enlightened decisions on issues.

These principles prove a basis for the actions of AAUW members.  We support adequate appropriations and effective administration.  Public policy action by members, branches, and AAUW Maryland is governed by these an the Association’s public policy priorities and by the AAUW policy on use of name.

Biennial Action Priorities for 2009-2011

Biennial action priorities are chosen according to the criteria of viability, critical need, strong member support, and potential for distinctive AAUW contribution.

To preserve a strong system of public education that promotes gender fairness, equity, and diversity, AAUW advocates:

Adequate and equitable funding for pre-kindergarten through secondary education with public funds and opposition to public funding to non-public elementary and secondary education.

Educational equity as part of the funding, curriculum development, and teacher training in Maryland

Strong statewide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs that will prepare all students for entering the work force in this technological age.

Adequate funding for the public higher education system.

Vigorous enforcement of Title IX and other civil rights laws pertaining to education.

Support of academic freedom in education and society and protection from censorship.

To achieve full recognition of women’s worth and economic self sufficiency, AAUW Maryland advocates:

Equity in access, compensation, and advancement in employment.

Prohibition of human trafficking and involuntary servitude.

Funding and protection  of programs that respond to needs of women and families.

Strengthening programs that provide all women with the education, training, and support for success in the workforce.

To promote the well-being of all persons, AAUW Maryland advocates:

Health care for all, including greater availability of quality dependent care and treatment for mental health and substance abuse.

Choice in the determination of one’s reproductive life.

Adequate and comprehensive sex education in the public schools.

Preservation of individual’s rights to privacy.

Freedom from violence and fear of violence in homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.

Environmental protection to preserve public health.