AAUW-WI Public Policy Statement 2024-26
 
1.To preserve a strong system of public education promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
AAUW-WI advocates for:
Vigorous enforcement of Title IX and other civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination
at all levels of education from early childhood development through elementary,
secondary, and post-secondary institutions
Promotion of programs, activities, and curricula that teach critical thinking, tolerance,
conflict resolution, and the value of diversity

Equitable and adequate funding to promote excellence and quality public education

Rigorous state standards for entry into the teaching profession and recognition of a
teaching license as the primary requirement for employment in public schools

Education program to address equity issues
Opposition to diversions of public funds to non-public elementary and secondary
schools, e.g. tuition tax credits, vouchers, etc.
Comprehensive and medically accurate health and human sexuality programs,
research-based science, the arts, humanities, multicultural studies, and world languages
in elementary and secondary schools
Increased level of participation for girls and young women in science, technology,
engineering, and math (STEM) in elementary and secondary schools
Support for and access, including financial, to post-secondary education for women and
underrepresented or underserved populations
Sustaining diverse mentorship and retention

2.To achieve economic self-sufficiency for all women.
AAUW-WI advocates for:
Pay equity and fairness in compensation
Affirmative action programs to improve racial, ethnic, and gender diversity
Programs that empower women by providing them with education, training, and
support for success in the workforce, including non-traditional occupations
Public assistance programs for women in poverty that improve access to education,
career development, and earning potential
Strengthening Wisconsin laws regarding victims’ rights, sexual assault, domestic abuse,
spousal impoverishment prevention, and sexual harassment through increased
legislative efforts and improved enforcement
Access to quality, affordable dependent care and family and medical leave
Improved economic security for all women across

their lifespan

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3.To guarantee equity, individual rights, and social justice for a diverse society.
AAUW-WI advocates for:
Promotion of gender-fair opportunities, representation, and compensation at all levels
of employment
Increased voter education, voter registration, and candidate development
Vigorous enforcement of voting rights
Campaign finance reform that will promote equitable participation and representation
Expansion of opportunities for women’s participation at all levels of government
Vigorous defense and expansion of civil and

constitutional rights
Preserving rights of individual choice in the determination of one’s reproductive life
Improved accessibility and affordability of quality mental and physical health care
Improved research and treatment of women’s health across the life span
Support for programs that include adequate funding to prevent violence against women
and to address the impact of violence against women
Adoption of safe harbor laws to protect child victims of human trafficking from being
prosecuted for something to which they cannot consent