Lichtman To Lecture On What Can Improve Family Values

FAIRFIELD — In honor of Women’s History Month, Fairfield University will present, “A Real Family-Friendly America — What Government Can (And Should) Be Doing,” a discussion by Judith L. Lichtman, senior advisor and former director and president of the National Partnership for Women and Families, formerly the Women’s Legal Defense Fund.

The free lecture will take place on Thursday, March 30, at 7:30 pm, in the Barone Campus Center Oak Room at Fairfield University.

In her talk, Ms Lichtman will describe how, in spite of official rhetoric extolling family values, the United States has a dismal record of providing real support for families. Although in 78 percent of US families both parents work, often putting in more than 90 hours per week, the United States is alone among the industrialized nations in providing no paid leave after the birth of a child and no adequate care for children.

Ms Lichtman will present her views on what the United States can and should do to bring about paid leave, to end pregnancy discrimination, sex discrimination and sexual harassment, and to guarantee adequate health care and reproductive rights.

“We’ve come a long way, but our work is far from done,” Ms Lichtman said. “My daughters, and all our children, deserve a future where every school and workplace is truly free of discrimination, and where all families have the support they need to succeed at home and one the job. I know from experience — if we can imagine it, we can make it happen.”

This event is open to the public free of charge. For more information, contact Lucy Katz at 203-254-4000, extension 2840, or Rose Rodrigues, 203-254-4000, extension 2784.