Posts tagged equality
ACLU of OK Stands Up to Efforts to Discriminate Against Gay & Lesbian National Guard Soldiers
1.10.12
Today, the ACLU of Oklahoma is calling on the Speaker of the House to send a clear signal that HB 2195 is dead on arrival and that the House will not waste a single minute considering the politically motivated act of a single legislator, and instead, will stand with the brave men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard, regardless of their sexual orientation.
In addition to potentially jeopardizing federal funding, this legislation distracts our legislature from efforts that truly support our troops by ensuring that when they return from service they will find a strong economy, educational opportunities, and affordable health care awaiting them.
A similar measure was proposed in Virgina last session. That bill died in subcommittee after the Attorney General, a socially conservative Republican, noted that, if it passed, the federal government could and probably would withhold federal funding for the VA Guard. Other policy makers highlighted that More >
2011 Gay Pride a Success
6.27.11
The ACLU is proud to announce we had huge turnout for this year’s Pride Parade. We had a total of 42 enthusiastic volunteers march with us this year. Thanks to all the wonderful participants who helped make this year’s Pride a success. Check out some photos of the event below. Don’t hide your pride!
Four of our volunteers showing off their Pride signs
It was so hot on Sunday but totally worth it! We love Pride!
Our intern, Amanda, passing out hand fans to the crowd
This year’s volunteers were so enthusiastic. We loved them all!
Lady Liberty leading the charge for equality
YAY Pride! YAY ACLU!
Sam the intern says, “Don’t Hide Your Pride”
Staff and volunteers looking good
Thanks to Cassidy Chew for making so many awesome signs
ACLU of Oklahoma staff ready to march
We have the greatest interns!
Waiting to march in 100 plus degree weather
The group. Most of us anyway.
Freedom can’t protect itself!
Our State! No hate!
These volunteers have pride
Title IX: The Game’s Not Over
7.14.11
Posted by Allie Shinn in Commentary
As the United States Women’s Soccer Team fights their way to the World Cup Gold, we at the ACLU can’t help but be proud of the great strides women have made since Title IX became law. When more women participate in sports and achieve in fields that have traditionally been male dominated, we begin to close the gender gap and pull ourselves closer to equality.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in schools. Since its passage, women and girls seeking to participate in athletics have found a path through which to do so. A 2006 study found that since 1972 women’s participation in sports at the collegiate level increased 450%. The same study found that nine times more women participated in high school sports than did in 1972.
Of course, Title IX’s scope reaches further than sports alone. In 1970, women accounted for only 17.5% of bachelor’s degrees granted in natural sciences and engineering. By 2004, the percentage rose to 38.4%. In the year 2000, 65.7% of high school girls took chemistry. Today, more than half of all bachelor’s degrees completed in chemistry are earned by women.
These numbers are inspiring and indicate how important Title IX has More >