Convention 2008: AAUW Educational Foundation/Legal Advocacy Fund Luncheon (Saturday, April 5)

Attendees were greeted by Eleanor Roosevelt (sometimes called Carolann Ford) and the Honorable Sandra Day O'Connor (sometimes called Dana Cox).

The luncheon provided attendees the opportunity to see the benefits achieved through their donations to the AAUW Educational Foundation (EF) and AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund (LAF).

AAUW Educational Foundation Speaker Abby Enscoe

Abby Enscoe, an AAUW Selected Professions Fellow 2007-08, was the first to speak. Abbe is a master's student in the Structural Engineering Division of the UC Berkeley Department of Civil Engineering. Her talk was called "Green Engineering: A Structural Approach." She introducted us specifically to fly-ash concrete (improved concrete that uses a byproduct of the coal industry) and post-tensioned columns (useful in earthquake country).

After studying physics at Harvard, an interest in architecture led Abby to work as a volunteer carpenter for two years with Habitat for Humanity. Abby reports that she loved the feeling of accomplishment that she had at the end of each day. She also credits Habitat with giving her an introduction to sustainable living structures. Her program at Cal is a perfect coupling her spatial skills with her mathematical skills.

AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund Speakers Michael Terhost and Paul Thein
The LAF side of the program featured two speakers: Attorney Michael Terhost, representing three Feather River Community College litigants, and Paul Thein, a former administrator at Feather River and one of Terhost's litigants. Michael outlined the three cases, after which Paul told his personal story.

Beginning in 1999, Paul served as Vice President of Student Services, Athletic Director and Dean of Students at Feather River. His 2007 contract was not renewed, no doubt a result of his complaining about the release of an outstanding woman basketball coach (the college president said the coach--a basketball All-American herself--did not fit in) and the college's refusal to report to the U.S. Department of Education inappropriate behavior with minor students by a staff member whose position was funded by the Department of Education. Paul has sued the college for retaliation for complaining of sex discrimination in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Regarding the woman coach who was let go, the college now says, "We may not have treated her right."

Part of the impact of Paul's firing is his inability to find work in academia. Rumors spread quickly, even when they are not based upon fact. Paul sent applications to 90 institutions and had one interview. He now works in construction in Alabama. He hopes that he will be able to return to academia once the court hears and decides on his case next year. Though the financial and personal impact on his family has been considerable, Paul says: "I don't want to go away quietly because then nobody wins."