Legal Advocacy Fund

The nation’s largest legal fund focused solely on sex discrimination in higher education, the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund provides funding and a support system to women fighting sex discrimination at colleges and universities.

Since 1981 the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund has helped students, faculty, staff, and administrators in higher education challenge discriminatory practices—practices such as sexual harassment, denial of tenure or promotion, pay inequity, and inequality in women’s athletics programs.

LAF promotes equity for women in higher education by:

• Providing financial support for sex discrimination lawsuits through case support
• Working to educate the university community about sex discrimination and improve conditions through campus outreach
• Organizing a network of volunteer attorneys and social scientists who consult with women on legal strategies, resources, and the strength of current and potential lawsuits
• Recognizing innovative efforts to improve the climate for campus women through the Progress in Equity Award

AAUW members and others contribute money, time, and expertise to strengthen the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund’s efforts to end sex discrimination in higher education.

Your contributions to the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund will help create an equitable environment for women on university campuses across the country. The AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Contributions to LAF are tax deductible for federal income tax purposes to the full extent allowed by law. Donations will be accepted at anytime during the year and may be made through our chapter by contacting the Legal Advocacy Chair.


The AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund supports discrimination lawsuits against colleges and universities. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis by the National Board. For more information, click here.