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News Stories 13001 to 13025 of 13147 
2/20/1996 - Microsoft's Bill Gates Apologizes for Insulting Remark About Secretaries
After remarking that Microsoft did not employ a single "secretary" and that the company wanted nothing to do with "secretaries," computer mogul Bill Gates has written an apology to this week's Administrative Assistant Adviser magazine. He stated that while Microsoft support staff go by the title of "administrative assistant" rather than secretary, he has the "highest regard for office professionals."
2/15/1996 - Salvi's Lawyer Uses Insanity Plea in Opening Statement
According to attorney J.W. Carney, Jr., John Salvi killed two abortion clinic workers and wounded five others because he was driven by schizophrenic delusions. Carney stressed that this case is about "not what happened, or by whom it happened, but why it happened." However, Assistant District Attorney John Kivlan noted in his opening statement that when Salvi was arrested, police found maps in his truck detailing routes to the clinics and found that Salvi had purchased a .22-caliber assault rifle, "used primarily for killing."
Many witnesses for the prosecution testified Wednesday, one after another identifying Salvi as the gunman. Salvi's defense attorney did not cross-examine any witnesses.
2/15/1996 - Columbia Must Acknowledge Part in Sexual Harassment Case
On Tuesday, a federal court ruled that by not properly investigating claims of sexual harassment by an employee, Columbia University implicitly condoned that behavior. The jury found that Columbia must pay Sharon Karibian $450,000.
Ms. Karibian had reported that her supervisor, Mark Urban, had threatened to cut her hours if she did not have and continue to have a sexual relationship with him. When she went to university officials, they failed to investigate the charges
2/14/1996 - Salvi Trial Begins Today, Jury Views Clinics
The opening statements are set to begin today in the trial of accused Brookline shooter John Salvi. On Tuesday, the jury was taken to see the two abortion clinics where the two women were murdered. Although the murders were not specifically discussed, the jury was asked to note the structure of the building and most took extensive notes. Salvi, who is accused of killing two receptionists at the clinics in December of 1994, chose not to accompany the jury to the Planned Parenthood and Preterm Health Services clinics. His lawyers are still pushing for an insanity defense and plan to call a half dozen mental health professionals to testify.
2/14/1996 - Fortune Poll Shows Women and Men Don't View Workplace Similarly
Fortune magazine released the results of a mail-in questionnaire survey today regarding women's and men's attitudes in the workplace. They found that most women (54%) thought female employees worked harder than their male counterparts, whereas only 17% of men agreed. As for applying for jobs, 77% of women thought that they had to have more experience or a higher degree than a man. Only 43% of men agreed. While 43% of men believed that genders were judged equally when applying for a job, only 20% of women agreed with that statement.
The study also noted that both men and women overestimated how well women were doing in the workplace. Most estimated that 4-5% of CEO's in corporate America were women. In reality, the US Labor Department reports that women make up less than 1% of all CEO's in 1,000 of the biggest companies in the US.
Both men and women said that the presence of women in the workplace has had a positive effect--noting the greater awareness and acceptance of different lifestyles and points of view.
The study was based on 2,100 returned forms. The average age of female respondents was 41 and the average age of the male respondents was 47. On average, men earned $113,000 and women $87,500.
Feminist Majority's Empowering Women in Business report
2/14/1996 - Univeristy of Alabama Will Hold Gay Conference
Opponents of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual College Conference of the Southeastern United States had attempted to stop the upcoming conference from being held at the University of Alabama. However, a US District Judge rejected their claims that it was illegal for a taxpayer-funded school to support such a conference. The school had stood behind the conference based on free-speech grounds.
2/13/1996 - Ms. Magazine Salutes Women of the Year
Tonight, Marcia Ann Gillespie, editor in chief of Ms. magazine and Gloria Steinem, the magazine's co-founder, will honor twelve recipients of the Women of the Year awards. This year's winners include: Marcia Clark, Susan Sarandon, Candace Gingrich, Daw Aaung San Suu Kyi, Oseola McCarty, Shannon Faulkner, and Preema Mathai- Davis.
2/13/1996 - Virginia Votes to Support New Mothers
The Virginia Assembly voted to allow longer maternity stays for new mothers. In a unanimous decision of both houses, the legislation puts the decision on how long a woman and her newborn can remain in the hospital into the hands of her doctor.
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Jane H. Woods (R) who noted, "This bill. . . ensures that medical criteria, not financial interests, be the determinants for women and child at the time of delivery
2/12/1996 - Sweatshop Operators Plead Guilty to Forced Slavery Charges
Last August, state and federal agents raided a garment-factory sweatshop in Los Angeles and found 72 Thai immigrants confined to a compound ringed with razor wire and spiked fences. On Friday, seven operators pleaded guilty to violating federal civil rights laws. The immigrants were told that they had to repay the cost of their transportation to Thailand. They were threatened with beatings and made only $2 a day.
The operators will be sentenced in April or May.
2/12/1996 - Many GOP Candidates Sign Anti-Gay Marriage Pledge in Iowa
In a meeting in Des Moines on Saturday, many Republican presidential candidates signed a pledge vowing to not grant legal acceptance to same sex marriages. The meeting was organized by the National Campaign to Protect the Sanctity of Marriage and was held at the First Federated Church. Alan Keyes, Pat Buchanan, and Sen. Phil Gramm were all in attendance and signed the pledge. Sen. Bob Dole, Lamar Alexander, and Steve Forbes all sent letters of support
2/12/1996 - Clinton Calling for Raise in Minimum Wage
In an effort to help families and children, President Clinton announced in his weekly radio address his commitment to raise the minimum wage. We’re trying to pass welfare reform which supports both work and child-rearing, and we ought to raise the minimum wage,” he stated.
Clinton noted that, No parent can raise a child on $4.25 an hour, though millions are trying to do just that.”
2/9/1996 - Clinton Vows Not to Order More B-2 Bombers
On Thursday, President Clinton ordered the military to not order any more B-2 "stealth" bombers because they are too costly and not needed for the nation's security. His decision came after reading a National Security Council review on the necessity of the bombers for national security, which advised that the money should be spent on more sophisticated cruise missiles and other bombers.
Some believe that the decision is motivated by the upcoming elections. California is a key state and also contains thousands of Northrop-Grumman Corp. jobs--the corporation that builds the new 20 bat-wing bomber.
2/9/1996 - Important Testimony Scheduled for Polsby Trial Today
The case of Dr. Maureen Polsby vs Donna Shalala, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, is being heard by Judge Chasanaw at the US Federal District Courthouse in Greenbelt, MD. Today, Dr. Jonathan Pinkis, former Chairman of Neurology at Georgetown, is scheduled to testify that Dr. Polsby is making up her claims of sexual harassment and in fact, it was she who came on to him. Dr. Tom Chase, Dr. Polsby's accused sexual harasser is also scheduled to be cross-examined today.
To find out daily information on the trial, you can call, 202-537-FIND.
Support Dr. Maureen Polsby in her fight for her rights in court.
2/8/1996 - Clinton Signs Telecommunications Bill into Law--Ignores Threat to Women's Lives
On Thursday February 8, President Clinton signed into law the Telecommunications Act which includes a clause that will create an on-line abortion ban. This Internet "gag rule" curtails the ability of women to share and exchange information on abortion and abortion services.
Feminist Majority Foundation President, Eleanor Smeal noted, "The Telecommunications Act is transforming the Internet from an information superhighway to an information roadblock invoked by high tech censorship. Ironically, just as more women's organizations and more women are going on-line, Congress is moving to criminalize women’s constitutional right to send and receive vital medical information."
Urge the President and the Attorney General to Enjoin Enforcement on the Internet Abortion Gag Rule
Urge your Representative to Support Rep. Schroeder’s Attempt to Amend the Telecommunications Act
2/8/1996 - Accused Sexual Harrasser in NIH Trial Takes Stand
The case of Dr. Maureen Polsby vs Donna Shalala, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, is being heard by Judge Chasanaw at the US Federal District Courthouse in Greenbelt, MD. Today, Dr. Tom Chase, the branch chief, is expected to take the stand. Dr. Chase is Dr. Polsby’s accused sexual harasser.
To find out daily information on the trial, you can call, 202-537-FIND.
Support Dr. Maureen Polsby in her fight for her rights in court.
2/7/1996 - Salvi Attempting To Prove Mental Instablity -- Throws Tantrum in Court
In an attempt to prove his insanity plea, Brookline shooter John Slavi, struggled and shouted while throwing over a table during his trial on Wednesday. He shouted for his right to speak with the press, declaring, This is unconstitutional. . . I have the right to speak to the people."
Even Judge Barbara Dortch-Okara noted that, Mr. Salvi is obviously playing to the camera."
Salvi is being tried for the murder of two women and the wounding of five other people during a shooting spree at two Boston area abortion clinics in December of 1994.
2/7/1996 - Expo '96 Reinvigorates Feminist Movement
Over 3,200 feminists converged on the Sheraton Washington Hotel February 2-4, for the first ever national feminist exposition. The Feminist Majority Foundation with 299 co-sponsoring organizations showed the nation that feminism is strong and growing. They also debunked the myth that today's young woman are not a supporter of this movement -- about 35% of the attendees were college and high school students.
Young and old gathered together to support issues such as affirmative action and sex discrimination , a feminist perspective to the budget, and voter education and mobilization for the upcoming election. Strategies to level the playing field for women were discussed and many new issue campaigns were launched by various organizations.
12/1/1995 - Women's Campaign to Defeat "CCRI" Launched
Campaign Exposes "No Women Need Apply Clause
Los Angeles -- More than 70 national and state women’s and civil rights
organizations joined an array of prominent women in business, law, medicine,
labor, education, sports and entertainment to launch the “Women Won’t Go
Back” Campaign to defeat the so-called California Civil Rights Initiative.
Campaign Co-Chairs Lorraine Sheinberg, Peg Yorkin, Chair of the Feminist
Majority, and Prema Mathai-Davis, National Executive Director of the YWCA of
the USA, announced today the formation of a statewide and national campaign
to save affirmative action, and expose an extreme and hidden section of the
CCRI which will expressly permit discrimination against women and girls.
“We are sounding the alarm today; the CCRI will not only gut affirmative
action for women and minorities in California, but will also destroy the very
foundation of California women’s rights law,” declared Eleanor Smeal,
president of the Feminist Majority: “This Campaign is significant not only
to California, but to the nation. The architects of the CCRI have introduced
similar language in 14 states and Congress. We must stop the CCRI in
California before it sweeps the nation.”
“The California Civil Rights Initiative means second class citizenship for
women and girls,” declared Prema Mathai-Davis, National Executive Director of
the YWCA of the USA. “For the first time in its 138 year history, the YWCA,
whose mission is to eliminate racism and sexism, has taken a position on a
ballot initiative because this is an emergency to save women’s rights and
civil rights. The YWCA urges California voters not to sign the CCRI
petitions.”
Leading constitutional law scholars Erwin Chmerinsky, USC School of Law,
and Laurie Levinson, Loyola Law School, discussed the impact of CCRI: “CCRI
will have a devastating impact on programs to remedy discrimination against
women and minorities. Gains of the past few years will be erased and
additional progress will be unlikely,” explained Professor Erwin Chemerinsky.
“I call ‘clause (c)’ the ‘No Women Need Apply’ clause. CCRI expressly
allows discrimination against women and girls in areas where it has never
been legally permitted. It will eviscerate the California constitution’s
current protection against gender discrimination, making it more difficult
for women to obtain legal protection,” added Professor Laurie Levenson.
“Working women everywhere in California will be hurt if CCRI passes,” said
Dolores Huerta, First Vice President of United Farm Workers, and spokesperson
for the Coalition of Labor Union Women. “California voters must understand
that women’s jobs and paychecks are on the line in this election.”
General Contractor Martha Diaz Aszkenazy observed, “With Wilson’s
roll-back of affirmative action, women construction owners are already seeing
cut-backs in bidding opportunities. If CCRI passes, the 6% of contracts that
women businesses currently get, will shrink to nothing. That’s why like many
other Republican women, not only will I be voting against CCRI, but I will be
working against CCRI.”
“This Campaign adds the voice of women to the campaigns already mobilized
in the African-American, Asian-Pacific American, and Latino communities,”
explained Connie Rice, Western Regional Counsel to the NAACP Legal Defense
and Educational Fund. “Together, we will stop the roll back of women’s
rights and civil rights.”
Andrea Van de Kamp, joined by young girls carrying signs reading “Give
Girls a Chance” and “Girls are Strong Too,” warned California voters, “Don’t
close the doors of opportunity on our daughters’ futures. We’ve come too
far. We won’t go back.”
10/31/1995 - Abortion Clinic Evicted From Building
Judge John DiNoto has ruled that a landlord may evict the Long Island Gynecological service. The lease permits abortions on the premises but, under new terms agreed to in January, the lease prohibits any activity that "jeopardizes the safety and prope rty of other tenants." Because many persons have violently attacked clinic members and other tenants, the landlord argued that the clinic violated the terms of their lease. Representative Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), who sponsored the 1994 F.A.C.E. bill, c alled the ruling "mind-boggling" and said that, "It is going to have a profound effect on a woman's right to choose. These fringe pro-life groups found new ways to get rid of abortion clinics." The clinic plans to appeal the ruling.
10/31/1995 - Abortion Clinic Evicted From Building
Judge John DiNoto has ruled that a landlord may evict the Long Island Gynecological service. The lease permits abortions on the premises but, under new terms agreed to in January, the lease prohibits any activity that "jeopardizes the safety and prope rty of other tenants." Because many persons have violently attacked clinic members and other tenants, the landlord argued that the clinic violated the terms of their lease. Representative Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), who sponsored the 1994 F.A.C.E. bill, c alled the ruling "mind-boggling" and said that, "It is going to have a profound effect on a woman's right to choose. These fringe pro-life groups found new ways to get rid of abortion clinics." The clinic plans to appeal the ruling.
10/31/1995 - New Details Released in Breast Implant Case
Judge Sam C. Point, Jr, who presides over the silicone breast implant case, released new details on Friday concerning the proposed settlement. The release includes proposals that would once again reduce the amount paid to the thousands of women injure d by the implants. Court officials also plan to increase scrutiny of possible fraud by doctors and patients. The released figures will likely disappoint many women because of the reduced rates. Many women have already signaled that instead of accepting the settlement they plan to pursue individual suits. Already, if all eligible women participate in the plan, the three companies involved -- Brisol-Myers Squibb, Baxter Healthcare, and 3M -- could pay anywhere from $2 to $3 billion dollars in damages.
10/31/1995 - New Details Released in Breast Implant Case
Judge Sam C. Point, Jr, who presides over the silicone breast implant case, released new details on Friday concerning the proposed settlement. The release includes proposals that would once again reduce the amount paid to the thousands of women injure d by the implants. Court officials also plan to increase scrutiny of possible fraud by doctors and patients. The released figures will likely disappoint many women because of the reduced rates. Many women have already signaled that instead of accepting the settlement they plan to pursue individual suits. Already, if all eligible women participate in the plan, the three companies involved -- Brisol-Myers Squibb, Baxter Healthcare, and 3M -- could pay anywhere from $2 to $3 billion dollars in damages.
10/31/1995 - Filipino Maid Sentenced to 100 Lashes and Year in Prison
A Filipino maid accused of killing her male employer received a sentence of 100 lashes, a year in prison, a monetary penalty and faces deportation. She had to agree to pay the victim's family 150,000 dirhams ($41,000) blood money in order for them to drop their insistence that the death penalty be carried out. In a United Arab Emirtes Jail, Filipino maid Sarah Balabagan pleaded for mercy from the lashes. Supporters plan to ask UAE President Sheikh Zaid bin Sultan al-Nahayan for her pardon. Balabaga n claims she acted in self-defense as her employer was raping her when she killed him.
10/30/1995 - Several-Hundred Million Dollar Suit Filed Against Anti-Abortion Organizations
The Legal Action for Reproductive Rights filed a several-hundred million dollar federal lawsuit on Thursday against American Coalition of Life Activists and Advocates for Life Ministries. The plaintiffs, filing in Portland, Oregon, allege that the anti-abortion organizations conducted a "campaign of terror and intimidation" that violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
The law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is handling the plaintiff's case pro bono. Laura J. Allan, an attorney with the Feminist Majority Foundation, serves as "of counsel" in the case.
10/30/1995 - Clinton Administration to Conduct Welfare Study
At the behest of Senate Democrats, President Clinton has announced the launch of a new welfare study. The study will analyze how the Republican welfare plan adversely affects millions of children. Senator Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.) and eleven other Democrats alleged that the White House had conducted a study which showed that one million more children than originally estimated would fall into poverty if the Republican plan takes effect. In response, the Clinton Administration announced that the Department of Health and Human Services had indeed conducted a study in September. Furthermore, Office of Management and Budget Director Alice M. Rivlin announced that the administration plans to undertake a new analysis of the "impact of this bill on children leaving poverty."
