Gender rules
Women and politics don't mix. At least that is the message that tonight's panel discussion on "Women in Law and Government" will attempt to dispel.
At 7 p.m. in Minor Hall Auditorium, five women, including State Senator Emily Couric, plan to speak about their experiences in a stereotypically male field.
Panel member and Assoc. Government Prof. Lynn Sanders said she thinks the timing of the discussion is extremely relevant.
"All over the country, affirmative action is under siege right now," Sanders said. "It's on its last legs, and because it is challenged now, it's very useful to have forums where people raise these questions."
For Sanders, the forum will bring awareness to the issues.
"Affirmative action creates a kind of consciousness that makes people think about the kind of workforce they create," she said. "It makes people think about who is on the legislature and who is on the faculty."
University faculty member and panel participant Karen Holt said that she believes her position as the director of the University's Equal Opportunity Office is an important symbol of advancement for other females.
"One thing my presence here has helped is that it has made it easier for other women working for progress to feel they have an ally," Holt said.
Holt also has a background in law, which helps her interpret political policy for the Equal Opportunity Office.
At tonight's discussion, she plans to talk not only about women in the fields of law and government, but also about race, which she said influences daily life at the University more than gender.
"The first step is recognizing that prejudice exists and a panel discussion is a good tool for this," Holt said.
"I think I will talk about race because even though it's not necessarily on the agenda, my struggle with those issues leads to my struggle with understanding gender issues" she said.
Holt's views comprise only a fraction of the diverse opinions represented by the panelists.
Sanders anticipated an enlightening and interesting discussion.
"I am curious about what's going to develop at this forum," she said.
-Julia Salasky
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