Dear Editor:
The American Association of University Women, California
Division has taken the following positions on the Nov. 8 ballot
which are supported by the Gilroy branch:
Dear Editor:
The American Association of University Women, California Division has taken the following positions on the Nov. 8 ballot which are supported by the Gilroy branch:
• Proposition 73 – OPPOSE – Parental Notification Initiative
AAUW has long opposed parental notification laws because we believe that confidential access to reproductive health care is crucial in helping teenagers obtain safe, appropriate medical care. A constitutional amendment such as Proposition 73 will not ensure that girls consult their parents. It is more likely to drive girls to a medically unsafe situation. This initiative doesn’t offer a practical solution to girls who fear abuse, losing their home or disappointing their parents. Keep our daughters safe! Vote NO on Proposition 73.
• Proposition 74 – OPPOSE – Teacher Tenure Initiative The California Education Code already presents a long list of grounds to dismiss any teacher, including “unsatisfactory performance.” The drastic change to tenure rules proposed by Proposition 74 would eliminate a district’s authority to decide what constitutes “unsatisfactory performance'” undermining local autonomy, and would make recruiting and retaining quality teachers more difficult. AAUW supports measures that strengthen the teaching profession. Vote NO on Proposition 74.
• Proposition 76 – OPPOSE – State and School Funding Constitutional Amendment
This initiative would change the state minimum school funding provided by voter-approved Proposition 98 and requires the governor to reduce state appropriations to cities and counties under certain circumstances. This would give the governor new powers to cut school and other funding without consulting anyone else. AAUW supports equitable funding for quality public education. Vote NO on Proposition 76.
Jane Olcott, Public Policy Chair and
Connie Rogers, Publicity Chair, Gilroy Branch
