As Dole leaves the Senate, his parting gift to women may be a vote on his "Equal Opportunity Act of 1996,", also sponsored in the House by Charles Canady (R-FL). Using doublespeak and the rationale of eliminating "preferential treatment,", the bill allows employers to bar women for virtually any reason they can dream up, allows any job with a "national security" component to legally be open to men only, and opens the door wide for more discrimination in the military. This bill will not only abolish affirmative action and shut the door on women's opportunity to compete for jobs, it will actually make discrimination legal. It even allows discrimination in educational programs - girls will once again be second-class school citizens. Tell your members of Congress (both houses: 202-225-3121) what you think about a bill that not only sets women back in our fight for an equal chance to compete, but legalizes discrimation. Senator Dole should also have to answer for his sponsorship of this bill in every political forum where he appears. Let him know women are the majority of voters. Get an analysis and bill summary from NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund at 212-925-6635; fax 212-226-1066.

Republican women in Congress have sent President Clinton a letter asking him to fire close advisor Dick Morris for Morris' role in defending a rapist who fled the country to avoid prosecution. When the accused was extradited back to the U.S. after 8 years of high living in Europe, Morris conducted a poll to bolster the defense motion for a change of venue (denied). The R's say Morris exhibited an unacceptable lack of sensitivity to women and the violence perpetrated on them. Democratic women are laying low, while President Clinton's (male) spokesperson says the request for Dick's head is "just a political charge". Give the Pres your opinion at 202-456-1111; fax 202-456-2461; E-Mail [email protected]

The 1996 National Race for the Cure against breast cancer takes place Saturday, June 15, 1996 in Washington, D.C. You can run/walk the 5k with celebrities and take part in a kick-off rally. All entries must be postmarked by June 5, $20 includes t-shirt. If you can't come to Washington, check local papers for companion events. Call 703-848-9364; fax 703-848-9363 for entry forms and info.

FEMINISTS STAND FOR CHILDREN

The Council of Presidents of National Women's Organizations (110 national women's groups) is asking local women's groups from all over the country to join them in supporting the "Stand for Children" June 1, 1996. Called by the Children's Defense Fund, this national rally at the Lincoln Memorial will challenge all Americans to affirm their commitment to children, and draw a line in the sand to put children first in national priorities. Bring buses, banners and your enthusiasm to show that the women's movement supports families with children. For materials and information contact Stand for Children at 800-233-1200 or 202-234-0095; E-Mail [email protected]. You can also visit the STAND FOR CHILDREN web site.

Despite the best efforts of activists, the Women's Educational Equity Act did not survive the 1996 budget wars. Even though Congress gave it no money, the program is still authorized and could be funded from within the Department of Education, but only if women speak out. If you called or wrote before, do it again. If you didn't, this is your chance to redeem yourself. Ask Deputy Secretary of Education Madeleine Kunin (fax 202-401-3093; E-mail [email protected]) to continue the WEEA program, the only educational initiative aimed entirely at gender equity in the schools. Don't delay on this one; decisions are being made daily.

Even as O.J. Simpson donned his suit, tie, and disarming smile to seek legitimacy at Oxford, the Senate held oversight hearings on the Violence Against Women Act this week. Attorney General Janet Reno, doctors, lawyers, and service providers gave Congress ideas on better enforcement and follow up legislation. The hearing record will be open for another week; the goal is for the hearings process to become a document for anti-violence advocates across the nation. To submit documents for the record contact Sharon Prost at the Senate Judiciary Committee, 224 Dirksen Office Bldg., Washington, D.C., 20510. (202) 224-5225. To learn more about VAWA contact the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund at (202) 544-4470.

Thanks to pressure on their colleagues from Reps. Connie Morella (R-MD) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the House health insurance reform bill requires insurance plans to cover "conditions arising out of acts of domestic violence"; if this becomes law, battered women will no longer have to choose between insurance coverage and safety. The Senate version of this bill was passed this week; it now goes to a House/Senate conference committee. Activist voices are needed to make sure this provision survives the committee negotiations, since some insurance companies have refused coverage to women who have been battered. Call your representative (202-225-3121) and senators (202-224-3121), and urge them not to abandon battered women by sacrificing this provision in the negotiations.

Thanks to the strong leadership of the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund and activists like you, the Violence Against Women Act got near full funding in the recently passed appropriations bill. If you called, faxed or wrote, give yourself a pat on the back.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is about to change regulations on employee illness and recordkeeping. The proposed changes specifically exclude recording workplace injuries caused by domestic violence, even though all other "personal acts of violence" would be covered. OSHA is seeking public comment until May 31. Tell them not seeing it won't make it go away. Send 4 copies to Docket Officer, Docket No. R-02, OSHA, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210; 202-219-7894.

Motherless Daughters is a not-for-profit national organization designed to offer support, services, and information to women and girls who lost their mothers at an early age. The group offers support groups, information, a newsletter, and electronic discussion. For info, send SASE to Motherless Daughters, Cherokee Station, Box 20710, New York, NY 10021