Is Women's Equity Really an Issue?
Supreme Court Plaintiff in Recent Pivotal Decision to Speak at AAUW Dinner on September 10, 2007

On Monday, September 10, 2007, Lilly Ledbetter will address the Buffalo Branch of the American Association of University Women at its annual kickoff dinner at St. John Baptist Church in Buffalo. With the July passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, Ms. Ledbetter's battle for equity -- to the Supreme Court-- against one of America's industrial giants is a top topic for office and political debate.

In one of its frequently occurring narrow decisions, the Supreme Court ruled on May 29, 2007 that workers may not sue employers on the basis of discrimination due to unequal pay occurring years earlier.

Lilly Ledbetter was the only female supervisor at a Goodyear tire facility near Birmingham, Alabama. After working nearly twenty years in this position, she learned that she had been consistently paid significantly less than the lowest paid male worker despite having more experience than several of her counterparts. After reviewing the evidence, a jury found that her employer had unlawfully discriminated against her on the basis of sex. This verdict was later overturned, and the Supreme Court concurred that Ledbetter had waited too long to sue-- even though she filed her complaint when she learned of the pay inequity.

In her dissent, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg wrote: "In our view, the court does not comprehend, or is indifferent to, the insidious way in which women can be victims of pay discrimination." She followed with commentary that in the ruling the Court had ignored real world employment practices. She urged Congress to correct the Court's mistake. Less than one month later, the House Labor committee passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Another month later, the House of Representatives passed the Act. Legislation review is now in the Senate's hands.

"Those who are elated by the increased opportunity for education across our population are somewhat deflated when all workers cannot achieve equitable treatment," said Branch President Tamara Brown. "We invite the public to participate in this very relevant and rewarding discussion with Ms. Ledbetter."

The annual event is AAUW's traditional introduction of the organization to non-members. "We hope you will join us on September 10 th and learn about even more ways that AAUW --nationally and locally-- are working in issues of education and equity." Ms. Brown added.

The American Association of University Women Buffalo Branch Annual Kickoff Potluck & Dinner Discussion is scheduled for Monday, September 10, 5:30 p.m. at St. John Baptist, 184 Goodell Street in downtown Buffalo. There is plenty of free parking adjacent to the church. There is no cost for non-members to attend, however, reservations are required. Reserve your place today by emailing: aauwpotluck@cs.com or calling 559-3037.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Buffalo Branch, Inc., was founded in 1890, and is the largest AAUW branch in New York State, with over 250 members. AAUW promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. For more information, visit the branch website: www.aauw.buffalo.edu.