UC Law Women (UCLW) was founded in 1995 with two main goals: (1) to provide programming apprising female students of career opportunities within the legal profession, and (2) to keep the campus population apprised of women's rights and related legal developments. UCLW is dedicated to promoting the interests of women within the law school and beyond. To this end, UCLW encourages discussion and debate on issues pertaining to women and gender, promotes speech and action by UCLW members on issues important to women, devotes resources to student support and professional development, and advocates for women's interests in society. Within each of these endeavors, we promote an expansive view of feminism that embraces people of different races, colors, sexual orientations, ideologies, cultures, and classes.
Who We Are
2007-2008 Co-Chairs
Maureen Bickley
Beth Deucher
Chris Kaiser
Holly McEntyre
Heather Parker
Amanda Penick
Mandy Shoemaker
Feel free to contact any co-chair with any questions you might have about
UC Law Women. Membership is extended to all students enrolled at UC College of Law.
What's New
Note About Heineken Commercial (Heather Parker)
I’m not sure how many of you have noticed the latest Heineken commercial, but I have to admit I am shocked and appalled by it. You can view a video of the advertisement here. The ad depicts a scantily clad robot woman who prances onto a stage, gyrating to club music. The woman’s chest then opens up to reveal a Heineken draught keg and the woman’s body becomes a beer dispensing apparatus. Talk about commodification and commericialized objectification… Are women nothing more than beer dispensing machines? Thoughts? Email uclawwomen@gmail.com.
The Clothesline Project
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
LAW WOMEN PRESENT, THE CLOTHESLINE PROJECT, in support of survivors and in memory of victims of domestic violence.
All this week, beginning today Monday, October 1st you can pick up shirts to decorate in the Student Lounge on the first floor (the opposite side of the hallway from Room 114 and 118...just swipe your UC id to get in.
Return the decorated shirts in the Student Lounge on October 8th.
The Details
October has been declared Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It's a time to bear witness and makes changes to the widespread and often ignored issue of domestic violence.What is the Clothesline Project?
The Clothesline Project is a visual display that bears witness to the violence against women. During the display within the law school, a clothesline is hung with shirts. Each shirt is decorated to represent a particular woman's experience, by the survivor herself or by someone who cares about her.
What's the point?
To bear witness to the survivors as well as the victims of the war against women.
To help with the healing process for people who have lost a loved one or are survivors of this violence.
To educate, document, and raise the community's awareness of the extent of the problems of violence against women.
To provide a nationwide network of support, encouragement and information for other communities starting their own Clothesline Project
How can I get involved in this important event?
DECORATE: Throughout this week of October 1st-October 5th today, Law Women will make shirts and markers available in the Student Lounge for you to decorate in celebration and support of survivors and in memory of victims of domestic violence. Please return these shirts to the Student Lounge on October 8th.
BEAR WITNESS: Take the time to observe and absorb the display on the third floor of the law school during the week of October 8th.
Pending Legislation
Ohio H.B. 280
On June 27, 2007, forty one representatives – including Representative Brinkman (Cincinnati) – introduced H.B. 280. This legislation would amend the Ohio Revised Code to require facilities that provide abortions to display with the following language in 44 point typeface:
“NO ONE CAN FORCE YOU TO HAVE AN ABORTION. NO ONE – NOT A PARENT, NOT A HUSBAND, NOT A BOYFRIEND – NO ONE. Under Ohio law, an abortion cannot be legally performed on anyone regardless of her age, unless she VOLUNTARILY CONSENTS to having the abortion. Ohio law requires that, before an abortion can legally be performed, the pregnant female must sign a form indicating that she consents to having the abortion “voluntarily” and “WITHOUT COERCION BY ANY PERSON. IF SOMEONE IS TRYING TO FORCE YOU TO HAVE AN ABORTION AGAINST YOUR WILL: DO NOT SIGN THE CONSENT FORM. IF YOU ARE AT AN ABORTION FACILITY, TELL AN EMPLOYEE OF THE FACILITY THAT SOMONE IS TRYING TO FORCE YOU TO HAVE AN ABORTION.”
The legislation would also increase the criminal penalty for causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a family or household member who was pregnant at the time.
Ohio H.B. 284
On July 10, 2007, Representative Brinkman (Cincinnati) introduced H.B. No. 284. This bill would amend the Ohio Revised Code to prohibit any and all abortions within the state of Ohio. The legislation would also increase penalties for the provision of an abortion, the provision of an abortion-inducing drug. The bill does not provide any exceptions for rape, incest, or when the health or life of the mother is in danger.
Ohio H.B. 287
On July 19, 2007, Representatives Adams, Wagner, Brinkman (Cincinnati), Uecker, Huffman, Fessler, Wachtmann, Barrett, and Goodwin introduced H.B. No. 287. H.B. 287 would enact O.R.C. 2919.124 to prohibit the performance of an abortion on a pregnant woman without the prior, written informed consent of the father of the fetus.
This legislation would require pregnant women to identify all possible paternal donors to the pregnancy so that abortion providers . If a woman names two or more men as potential donors, the provider is required to conduct a paternity test before accepting consent.
The legislation provides an exception from these requirements for women who have become pregnant as a result of rape or incest ONLY if the woman presents a copy of a police report, indictment, complaint, a copy of a paternity test, or other court document to prove that the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest. The legislation does not provide an exception for women who do not know the identity of the father.
Professional Development
Coming Soon!
Special Projects
Coming Soon!
Outline Bank
Coming Soon!
Upcoming Events!
September
September 5th: UCLW Mentor/Mentee Introductory Meeting
September 11th & 12th: Stop by the UC Law Women Table to voice your opinion on recent legislation in the Ohio Congress.
October
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Look for activities and events throughout the month, including a panel to help future attorneys recognize and address domestic violence issues in their practice, In Her Shoes, and the Clothesline Project.
Links
Legal Momentum
feministing.com