Press Releases

NWLC Urges Senate to Allow Up-or-Down Vote on Nomination of Tom Perez for Labor Secretary

July 16, 2013

(Washington, D.C.) Today, the Senate will vote on whether to proceed to a confirmation vote on the nomination of Thomas Perez, the current Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, to be the next Secretary of Labor.

National Women's Law Center Commends Final Rule on Contraceptive Coverage

June 28, 2013

(Washington, D.C.) Earlier today, the Obama Administration announced the final rule on accommodations for non-profit organizations with religious objections to the contraceptive coverage provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA requires all new health insurance plans to cover contraceptives and other preventive health services with no co-pay or deductible.

NWLC Files Title IX Complaint Against DC Public Schools For Failing to Give High School Girls Equal Athletic Opportunities

June 28, 2013

(Washington, D.C.)  The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) are failing to give high school girls equal athletic opportunities under Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs, according to an administrative complaint by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) and attorneys from Crowell & Moring and Lowenstein Sandler LLP.   The Center’s review of DCPS data, obtained from Freedom of Information Act requests, coupled with extensive interviews with parents of high school girls, reveal a widespread, systemic failure affecting every District high school, including a lack of teams, less qualified coaches, and lack of adequate facilities for girls. 

10th Circuit Announces Decision in Hobby Lobby Contraceptive Coverage Case

June 27, 2013

(Washington, D.C.) Earlier today, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, en banc, announced its decision in the case brought by Hobby Lobby challenging aspects of the requirement that it must cover contraceptives for its employees under the Affo

NWLC Hails Supreme Court's Historic Decision in Marriage Equality Case

June 26, 2013

(Washington, D.C.) Today, the Supreme Court handed down its decisions in United States v. Windsor and Hollingsworth v. Perry.

National Women's Law Center Decries Supreme Court Decision in Shelby County v. Holder

June 25, 2013

(Washington, D.C.)  Today the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, struck down a key section of the Voting Rights Act, which was reauthorized by overwhelming, bipartisan majorities in Congress only seven years ago. 

U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Issues New Guidance to Help Protect the Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Students, Says NWLC

June 25, 2013

Today, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released guidance to all federally funded education programs on the Title IX rights of students who are pregnant or parents. 

Supreme Court Decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin Retains Use of Vitally Important Diversity Policies By Colleges and Universities

June 24, 2013

(Washington, DC)  Today, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin. The 7-1 decision, written by Justice Kennedy, reaffirms the ability for educational institutions to consider race as one among a number of factors in a university’s admissions criteria to achieve the many educational benefits that stem from a diverse student body.

NWLC Decries Supreme Court's Title VII Decisions in Vance v. Ball State University and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center v. Nassar

June 24, 2013

(Washington, D.C.)  Today, the Supreme Court handed down its decisions in two Title VII cases, Vance v. Ball State University and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center v. Nassar, limiting the protections available to employees in both cases in narrow 5-4 votes.

NWLC Supports Nomination of Cathy Russell as Ambassador For Global Women's Issues

June 20, 2013

(Washington, D.C.) Today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the nomination of Catherine Russell to be Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues. The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) is pleased to support this highly qualified nominee.