NCFM letter causes City of Glendale to offer free self-defense class to both men and women
June 5, 2014
By NCFM
self-defense classNCFM NOTE: Sometimes change through advocacy is a simple as a letter, like the one we sent to the City of Glendale about their free self-defense classes only for women. This is not the first time NCFM has been able to cause change, significant change we might add, with just a well written letter. For one of many examples, such a letter caused NIPPON Airlines to reconsider women only restrooms on international flights, and the PGA from having a “Women’s Day” at a major event. That letter also prevented the featured speaker from violating a host of laws. The speaker was just reelected Bonnie Dumanis, District Attorney for San Diego. These are not small victories. Each one brought with it media interest, which in turn helps us raise awareness of such inequalities. Consider, what if the city of Glendale decided to have free self-defense classes for “Whites Only?” Our guess is every Glendale elected official and employee involved in the event would be looking for other work. So, why isn’t it that way when such people turn a blind eye on half our population, e.g., men. Crazy stuff isn’t it?
Glendale male-only self-defense class scheduled
Session results from complaint of group calling for end to gender discrimination.
By Brittany Levine, brittany.levine@latimes.comJune 4, 2014 | 7:32 p.m.
Following a complaint that free self-defense classes exclusively for women and girls sponsored by a city commission violate equal-protection clauses of the Constitution, city officials have scheduled a class for men and boys for later this month, in addition to two new training sessions for females.
While the Glendale city attorney reviewed the complaint letter sent by the National Coalition for Men in March, the Commission on the Status of Women cancelled its two self-defense classes for females in April, which is also when the city celebrates “Sexual Harassment Awareness Month.”
The majority of the City Council voted reluctantly to add male-only classes at the city’s expense that month, with one calling the coalition a joke after the city attorney recommended they host the alternative training to minimize legal risk.
Reached by phone on Wednesday, Harry Crouch, president of the San Diego-based nonprofit coalition, said his group was glad the city scheduled a self-defense class for men and boys.
“We’re very pleased that the city of Glendale decided to provide the same opportunities and services to men as they would women and girls,” Crouch said.
The goal of the classes is to provide training that may help participants avoid sexual assaults and fight perpetrators if they are ever attacked. Crouch added earlier that men are also prone to violent attacks and could benefit from free self-defense classes.
Mayor Zareh Sinanyan suggested in April that the male-only class should incorporate conversations about bullying.
The two female classes, which cost $400, are to be paid for with funds raised by the Commission on the Status of Women. The cost of the men’s class will come out of the city’s General Fund, which pays for police, parks and other general services.
The two female-only classes are scheduled from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday in the Glendale Police Department’s large community room, 131 N. Isabel St., and 6:30 to 9 p.m. on June 25 in Glendale Community College’s Student Center Conference Room, SC212, 1500 N. Verdugo Road.
The male-only class is slated to take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 18 in the Glendale Police Department’s large community room.
Participants must be 12 years old or older. Reservations are required. To hold a spot or for more information, call (818) 548-2000 or email women@glendaleca.gov.
Source
Way to go,NCFM,way to go. Thank you for this good news.
Showing posts with label glendale california. Show all posts
Showing posts with label glendale california. Show all posts
Monday, June 16, 2014
Saturday, March 29, 2014
National Coalition For Men sues the City of Glendale
A men’s rights group is accusing a California city of violating civil rights laws because the city is offering free self-defense classes that are only open to women and girls.
The Glendale News-Press reported Thursday that Harry M. Crouch, the president of the National Coalition of Men, sent a letter to the city of Glendale, the city’s Commission on the Status of Women and the company leading the classes demanding men and boys be allowed to attend the classes as well.
Crouch writes that by offering the classes to only women the parties involved are violating the equal protection clause of the Constitution.
“It is especially troubling that the City, its Commission on the Status of Women, and Shield Self Defense would deny men and boys access to their self-defense classes in April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” Crouch said. “Why the City, its Commission on the Status of Women, and Shield Self Defense do not want men and boys to be just as prepared as women and girls to defend themselves against sexual assault is outrageous.”
The Glendale News-Press reports that the Commission on the Status of Women has been holding the classes for years on city property in April to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The classes are paid for through fundraising.
Crouch told the paper this is the first year his organization has complained because it just became aware of the classes.
"It always astounds me that some of our governmental agencies who are charged with protecting us from violations of law simply acquiesce to things like this," he said.
City officials told the paper they are in the process of researching the matter, and that federal law could possibly permit women’s only self-defense classes. The officials said they are now investigating state law on the issue, and may consider reviewing the class structure if necessary.
Source
Go NCFM. Win that lawsuit. This is definitely a Constitutional issue. Denying men the right to defend themselves is discriminatory and a lawsuit is richly deserved.
The Glendale News-Press reported Thursday that Harry M. Crouch, the president of the National Coalition of Men, sent a letter to the city of Glendale, the city’s Commission on the Status of Women and the company leading the classes demanding men and boys be allowed to attend the classes as well.
Crouch writes that by offering the classes to only women the parties involved are violating the equal protection clause of the Constitution.
“It is especially troubling that the City, its Commission on the Status of Women, and Shield Self Defense would deny men and boys access to their self-defense classes in April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” Crouch said. “Why the City, its Commission on the Status of Women, and Shield Self Defense do not want men and boys to be just as prepared as women and girls to defend themselves against sexual assault is outrageous.”
The Glendale News-Press reports that the Commission on the Status of Women has been holding the classes for years on city property in April to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The classes are paid for through fundraising.
Crouch told the paper this is the first year his organization has complained because it just became aware of the classes.
"It always astounds me that some of our governmental agencies who are charged with protecting us from violations of law simply acquiesce to things like this," he said.
City officials told the paper they are in the process of researching the matter, and that federal law could possibly permit women’s only self-defense classes. The officials said they are now investigating state law on the issue, and may consider reviewing the class structure if necessary.
Source
Go NCFM. Win that lawsuit. This is definitely a Constitutional issue. Denying men the right to defend themselves is discriminatory and a lawsuit is richly deserved.
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