MEDIA ADVISORY
Title IX Sex Discrimination Complaint to be Filed Against University of Mary Washington by Feminist Groups
WHAT:
On Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m., UMW student group Feminists United, national women’s rights organization, Feminist Majority Foundation, and individual UMW students will announce the filing of a major Title IX sex discrimination complaint against the University of Mary Washington. The complaint is being prepared by Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, founding partners of Katz, Marshall & Banks, LLP.
The complaint charges ongoing, systemic failures to comply with Title IX, including failure to address incidents of sexually-based stalking, cyber stalking, cyber assault, and threats of physical and sexual violence against members of Feminists United and other individual students via the anonymous social media application Yik Yak. The complaint raises concerns about the UMW administration’s refusal to protect female students from these threats of violence and sexual assault.
The sex discrimination complaint comes on the heels of the murder of Grace Rebecca Mann, an active member of Feminists United and prominent UMW student who was a leading voice for feminist and gay causes.
WHO:
–Julia Michels, president of Feminists United at UMW and other students
—Eleanor Smeal, national women’s rights leader and president of Feminist Majority Foundation
—Debra S. Katz and Lisa J. Banks, founding partners of Katz, Marshall & Banks, LLP
All participants will be available for interviews.
WHERE:
University of Mary Washington
Steps of George Washington Hall
1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Contact:
Randy Labuzinski – Jaffe, 773-405-7583
Debra S. Katz or Lisa J. Banks – Katz, Marshall & Banks, 202-299-1140
Danielle Smith – Feminist Majority Foundation, 703-522-2214
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