I understand and greatly appreciate the reasons why the 1881 founders and their descendants stuck to the degree requirement. As a 30-year member, I had no problem with it when I joined. As a member in 2015, the degree requirement is not only fairly meaningless, but it is becoming dangerous. We see ourselves as inclusive but others may see us as cliquish. Just as other AAUW initiatives, especially the Legal Advocacy Fund, have grown beyond their barriers, unless we make the possibility open to the widest reasonable group, I think this stance will lessen our appeal and make some difference, even a small one, in our efforts to grow, reach prospective members of ALL ages, thrive and be relevant.

-Marsha Miller, AAUW of the Wabash Valley (IN)
May 18, 2015