In the Gender and Sexuality Center sponsored event,  held at the Fireside Lounge on March 12, Joann Bautti-Roche introduced the panel comprised of Oakland University faculty. 

The hour long discussion touched on the impact and relevance of women in politics and included questions from the audience. 

Michelle Piskulich, dean of the College of Arts and Science, spoke about the historical context for women in politics. Piskulich focused on the lack of significance women played in policymaking. 

“Women were not encouraged to vote,” Piskulich said. 

Julie Waters, a political science professor, spoke intensely concerning women and political parties. Waters briefly summarized the three faces of the political party and the importance of women in parties. 

As political parties began to lose influence in the 19th century, women were given new opportunities, according to Waters. 

“As the parties declined, men lost interest,” Waters said. “That left a vacuum and women filled the void, like osmosis.” 

Waters also said that much of the involvement of women in political parties increased in the 1980s, as women began to use organizations to provide money. 

Political parties were also used by women to break the ‘glass ceiling.’ This means of support existed as a springboard to get women into leadership roles. 

“A large number of women are foot soldiers,” said Waters. “Men disproportionally make up and hold the leadership positions.” 

Diane Hartmus, masters of public administration director, offered insight into the judicial system. In particular, Hartmus spoke about the influence President George W. Bush has had on the judicial system. 

“Thirty-five percent of federal judges have been appointed by Bush,” Hartmus said.  

The discussion later turned to the issue of how federal judges are appointed in the U.S.

According to Hartmus, there are 900 federal judge positions. These positions are appointed by the president with the advice of the Senate. 

The president also nominates the Supreme Court judges that see up to 90 cases a year. Those are prominent cases, but seem minute compared to the 60,000 cases the federal court of appeals will see, according to Hartmus. 

Hartmus added that federal judges decide on cases that refer to Family Leave and Medical Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights, protection of access to abortions, right to participate in sports teams and equilitable pay.