The message of LAF to women who are being discriminated against is that someone hears, believes, cares, and wants to help.

After 15 years working at a small Midwest college at the administrative level, I encountered a college president who (to quote a 60-year-old fellow employee) "savaged and tormented employees." I was 47 at the time and the 18th woman to suffer a salary cut or be fired that year. A younger man with 4 years of experience replaced me.

After I picked myself up, I called LAF. They put me in touch with an attorney in a nearby town who volunteers her time helping women to determine if they have a case. She encouraged me to pursue a lawsuit. As it turned out I did not need LAF's financial assistance. I was a member of the National Education Association, and one of the benefits of that membership is attorney assistance. I had to remain on the job for 6 months with no office, no specific work, no support.

After a year my case was settled out of court and I received a year's salary. I did not choose to return to the college. There are few things harder or more stressful than being in a lawsuit. I survived because I had the support of fellow employees, LAF, and AAUW members.

Most lawsuits cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. What LAF gives plaintiffs is a pittance, often just a small piece of the great costs of their struggle. But the fact that someone believes their story is invaluable.

At this time LAF helps only at the university level. But legal precedents set in the academic workplace can have far-reaching implications for women in all work places. The contributions we make to Foundation fellowships will be wasted if the women we help cannot fully utilize their advanced studies. If they are denied promotions and tenure, our work is in vain.

Let's get the message out. LAF is an important part of the AAUW organization - important enough for a generous contribution from each one of us.

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