Board and OUTlaw Officers and a few Others

The Maurer School of Law LGBT Alumni Advisory Board (Maurer Board) was formed in 2009 to provide support and guidance to the law school's LGBT students, sponsor professional and social activities for its LGBT and ally alumni, and raise awareness about LGBT issues in the larger Maurer community. 

Since it was organized, the Maurer Board has organized six major programs dealing with timely topics affecting the LGBT community. The first was held in March 2010 with panelists discussing marriage equality, including the history of same-sex marriage, key cases and ongoing litigation.  In April 2010, Maura Healey, Chief of the Civil Rights Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, keynoted a symposium on the future of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage and filed suit against DOMA in 2009.  In November 2011, Judge Vaughn Walker, former chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, delivered a lecture at Maurer titled, "On the Bench and in the Game."  While on the bench, Judge Walker ruled in Perry v. Schwarzenegger that California's Proposition 8 was unconstitutional. A video of Judge Walker's lecture is available at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2TDWDHWpAg&index=31&list=PLYCbymO31n7BfrMWNxa7-QYuOTzUhew  In April 2013, retired Ambassador Michael Guest spoke on America's role in promoting LGBT equality around the globe in a lecture co-sponsored by the Maurer Board and the new IU School of Global and International Studies. A video of Guest's lecture is available at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY30qoILGWc In January, 2014, Evan Wolfson, founder and president of the national organization Freedom to Marry, spoke about HJR-3 and the State of Indiana's role in the larger national debate over marriage equality. Wolfson was introduced by IU Bloomington Provost Lauren Robel, who underscored IU's opposition to HJR-3. The event was co-sponsored with the Maurer chapter of the American Constitution Society and others. A video of the entire program is available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iptwbeGmLPU&feature=youtu.be

And, in February, 2014, the Maurer Board co-hosted with Maurer's Black American Law School Association a panel discussion in recognition of Black History Month titled "Race, Sexuality, and Movements for Civil Rights."

Judge Vaughn Walker

"Maurer's LGBT Alumni Advisory Board has been tremendously helpful to the school and supportive of our students," said Austen L. Parrish, Dean and James H. Rudy Professor of Law.  "The opportunities they have provided are remarkable, and the school is grateful for their dedication and work as role models and mentors.  They've set a terrific example for how successful alumni can help cultivate the next generation of leaders."

In addition to speakers and programming, the Maurer Board has instituted a mentoring program for LGBT and ally Maurer students; sponsored students to participate in the Williams Institute Moot Court Competition at UCLA, the premier national moot court competition on sexual orientation and gender identity; hosted a table at the annual Lambda Legal dinner; hosted several luncheon meetings where students can discuss issues important to them with LGBT and ally alumni; and provided numerous net-working opportunities.

Evan Wolfson

On more than one occasion, Maurer alumni have met with law students to discuss questions associated with being out in the workplace, interviewing, job opportunities, preparing resumes and related issues. The Maurer Board makes a point of seeking input from OUTlaw, the Maurer LGBT student organization, and involving the students in all major decisions. "OUTlaw's relationship with the Maurer Board continues to offer professional opportunities, build interpersonal relationships, and foster a culture of inclusiveness within the law school," says Matthew Showalter, former President of OUTlaw. "The Board members not only strive to advance our own professional careers but serve as excellent role models for the advocates we hope to become. The Alumni Board is truly a crucial part of OUTlaw and the Maurer community."

GLBTAA members Jerry Burgdoerfer, Nick Clark, Tina Clark, Erica DeSantis, Margaret Emmert, John Fischer, Tim Lemper, Jim Reed, Steve Sanders, Ryan Scott, Mike Shumate and Kathleen Sweeney are current, or former, directors of the Maurer Board.  Mike Shumate and Steve Sanders currently serve as President and Vice President, respectively.

Some OUTlaw Members and Allies

A Fun Pose!

The GLBTAA has had a Facebook page for some time now, but some of you may not be aware of it.  If you haven't already done so, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/iuglbtaa.  "Like" our page and follow our Facebook posts regarding news, updates and information about our events.

GLBTAA Academic Scholarships  Academic Scholarships are awarded to IU students enrolled at any IU campus, who are academically strong, as well as active in promoting diversity, tolerance and social justice. Scholarships are awarded to students based upon academic achievement, career goals, financial need, leadership experience, community service and extracurricular activities. Involvement in activities promoting diversity and raising awareness of GLBT and related issues on the student's campus or in his or her community is carefully reviewed by the Board. The maximum award for an Academic Scholarship is $1,000 per semester. An individual student may not receive more than $2,000. The deadline for the Spring 2015 semester is November 15, 2014.