March 11, 2024 – Currently the American Civil Liberties Union is tracking 425 state laws attacking the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States. Among these laws are curriculum censorship in schools, redefinition of sex, health care barriers, and suppression of expression. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Nevada County Branch’s March 16th meeting program will feature a historical overview by Dr. Rhea Williamson and panel discussion offering multiple perspectives about how students and adults deal with this discrimination. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Led by Maddux Eckerling, the student panel will explore questions regarding identity, community, and challenges as well as ways to support the LGBTQ+ community.
A 2023 Ghidotti High graduate, student body president, and activist, Eckerling is currently studying sociology and political science at San Francisco State. He has been a guest speaker on multiple podcasts and has advocated for LGBTQ+ and mental health topics extensively, from school board meetings to the California State Capitol.
Dr. Rhea Williamson, who is a member of AAUW Nevada County Branch, will offer a historical perspective as an LGBTQ+ person living and working in academia. Williamson spent her academic career at San Jose State University, from engineering professor to administrative positions, including Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and Dean of Research, Economics, and Community Development. She will explore how she faced enormous challenges with courage as well as ways to support LGBTQ+ students in an ever-changing world.
The Saturday, March 16th program meeting will be held from 9:30 – 11:30 AM at Peace Lutheran Church, 828 West Main Street, Grass Valley. This program is sponsored by Allison Rapp, owner of Move Like You Used To.
For more than 75 years, the AAUW Nevada County Branch has been striving to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Membership is open to individuals with an associate, baccalaureate or higher degree from a qualified educational institution. For individuals interested in participating in branch interest groups and other activities, but who have not had the opportunity to complete a degree, the Nevada County Branch offers “Friends of AAUW” membership. For more information: https://nevadacounty-ca.aauw.net/