In this week's run-up to this weekend's Women's Final Four, most of us correctly credit Title IX for giving girls a chance to play at all. But the 1972 law outlawing sex discrimination in schools applies to more than just sports - schools must treat boys and girls equitably in all educational programs. Thanks to the Supremes, however, there is one "gray area" left. In a divided opinion last year, they ruled that Title IX did not "specifically authorize" damages where a teacher continuously had sexual relations with a 9th grader in Lago Vista, Texas. The Court stated that it needed "further direction" from Congress (we knew Clarence Thomas was lost in space, but we digress). A bill introduced by Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) provides the necessary guidance. The Student Protection from Sexual Abuse Act (HR 404), makes it clear that Congress intends to allow damages when a student is sexually assaulted or harassed by a school employee. Tell your member to play ball by co-sponsoring this legislation at 202-224-3121 (or e-mail your Representative and Senator).

A rape victim in Sparks, Nevada filed a lawsuit this week against the police chief and three members of the force. After calling 911 to report her rape, Jennifer W. says the police interviewed her for three hours, laughed at her, called her a "goddamed liar", and said she would have to pay for lab tests if they came back negative. Her rapist was not apprehended and went on to rape a second victim. When caught in the second crime, the rapist admitted he attacked Jennifer. Since the lawsuit was filed, four other women who were called liars by police have come forward. We wish Jennifer luck in her lawsuit, but this entire police crew should be fired. Express your outrage to mayor Bruce Breslow at fax 775-353-2489.

The U.S. Supreme Court has a miserable record when it comes to hiring women and minorities to serve as clerks to the justices (WFF, 9/25/98). Of the 428 clerks hired by sitting justices, only 7% have been minority and 25% have been female (best record on women: Breyer 50%; worst: Rehnquist, 13%). They've probably gotten away with it because they are exempt from federal employment and anti-discrimination laws. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) has introduced a bill to change the numbers. The Judicial Branch Employment Nondiscrimination Act (HR. 1048) would make Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights act (outlawing discrimination on the basis of race and sex) fully applicable to the judicial branch of the government. Ask your member of the House to co-sponsor at 202-224-3121 (or send e-mail) . Clerks draft opinions and help shape the Court's thinking. If more women and minorities were clerks, chances are fewer opinions would be anti-woman or bad for minorities.

There is no better time than Women's History Month to preserve a piece of history. Congress has designated $500,000 to restore the Sewall-Belmont House. The house, on Capitol Hill between two Senate buildings, was the home of Alice Paul, head of the National Woman's Party (NWP). Paul was the first person to picket the White House -- for the women's vote. There's one big catch to getting the money -- it has to be matched dollar for dollar. The NWP has dubbed donors to the matching fund the "Millennium Mamas." Any amount is welcome (tax-deductible) but $100 gets you honorary fund-founder status. Make your check to the National Women's Party, mark it for the Millennium Restoration Fund and send to 144 Constitution N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002. More info: 202-546-1210.

The House of Representatives, that is. Reps. Connie Morella (R-MD; 202-225-5341; fax 202-225-1389; E-mail), Nancy Johnson (R-CT, 202-225-4476; fax 202-225-4488) and others will introduce the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization Package. The bill (not to be confused with the upcoming VAWA '99) reauthorizes 5-year funding for programs from the original 1994 legislation - including battered women's shelters, rape prevention education and grants to encourage arrest policies. Original co-sponsors are needed by next week. Encourage your Representatives at 202-225-3121 (or send e-mail) to sign on by contacting Kate Dickens in Rep. Morella's office at 202-225-5341.

Women from around the country will be attending the Women's Equality Summit next week. On Tuesday they'll visit members of Congress to send a message that Social Security reform must preserve guaranteed benefits for women. You can strengthen their voices by calling your member at 202-225-3121 (or e-mail your Representative and Senator).

Thanks to Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY; 202-225-6506; fax 202-225-0546; E-mail) Congress passed a measure last year requiring insurance companies to cover contraceptives for federal employees if they also cover other drugs. (Women spend 68% more than men on out-of-pocket health costs, a big portion going for contraceptives). The Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act requiring the same coverage from private insurers may pass this year. But if the National Women's Law Center succeeds in getting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to act, women won't have to wait. NWLC is asking the EEOC to issue a ruling that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act banning sex discrimination in employment covers employer-sponsored insurance plans -- so this exclusion is against the law. NWLC invites all groups with an interest in civil rights or women's equity to sign-on to their letter to the EEOC. Call Sharon Levin or Jill Morrison (202-558-5180) by March 8th for a sign-on form or to have your questions answered.

Mark the day by tuning in to "A World Free of Violence Against Women," a global multimedia event. A live two-way video will link human rights activists in India, Kenya, and Mexico with U.N. decision makers, government representatives, academics and members of the media. They will discuss critical policy directions and steps that must be taken to eradicate violence against women worldwide. The event takes place from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. EST. You can join as an observer via videoconferencing, the world wide web, or downlink to a satellite broadcast. For videoconference info contact the Stratosphere company (888-212-0700; [email protected]). For info on the live web broadcast, send an e-mail to [email protected] stating your interest or visit the UN Global Videoconference site. Universities, television stations, and others with the ability to downlink a video feed can carry the conference. Contact [email protected] to learn about satellite sites.