Barbara Boxer Reflects on Fighting for Gender Equality and Problem Solving in Inaugural Jackie Speier Lecture - �鶹��Ƶ Law San Francisco (Formerly �鶹��Ƶ Hastings)

Former federal lawmakers Barbara Boxer and Jackie Speier ’76 share insights from careers spent expanding equality and opportunity. Their conversation kicked off the Jackie Speier Lecture on Women in the Law & the Rights of Women Under Law, which brings influential women leaders to campus to inspire future legal professionals.

Despite relentless sexism and fierce partisan attacks, former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer never let anything stop her from advancing in the world of politics and fighting for the causes she believes in.

“The reason they try to put you down is to shut you up,” Boxer said during a candid conversation with fellow former lawmaker Jackie Speier ’76 at �鶹��Ƶ Law San Francisco on Aug. 27. “Anyone who knows me and Jackie knows that’s impossible. We’re just not going to fall for it.”

Barbara Boxer and Jackie Speier discussed their efforts to dismantle the systemic challenges women encounter in their careers, advocating for stronger protections against sexual harassment and gender discrimination.

Boxer, who served in the U.S. House and Senate from 1983 to 2017, shared invaluable insights from her career and answered questions from �鶹��Ƶ Law SF community members. The discussion was the inaugural “Jackie Speier Lecture on Women in the Law and the Rights of Women Under the Law.” The series seeks to amplify the voices of women leaders who have left an indelible mark on society through law, politics, business, and education. Speier, a �鶹��Ƶ Law SF alumna and former U.S. Representative, funded the series to inspire future generations.

“We are deeply grateful to Jackie Speier for launching this new lecture series, which will bring influential women leaders to campus,” said Chancellor & Dean David Faigman. “Rep. Speier and Senator Boxer have been fearless advocates for women’s rights and exemplary public servants. Their leadership sets a powerful example for future legal professionals.”

The discussion drew a large crowd of students, faculty, and staff from �鶹��Ƶ Law SF, who listened intently as Boxer and Speier delved into the challenges they faced as trailblazing women in a male-dominated political world. The stories they shared—ranging from condescending questions about household chores to accusations of neglecting their children—highlighted the everyday sexism they had to navigate.

Barbara Boxer encouraged �鶹��Ƶ Law SF students who are interested in pursuing careers in politics to focus on the ways they want to improve society, rather than personal ambition.

Throughout their careers, Boxer and Speier consistently stood firm in their fight for women’s rights and gender equality. Boxer, for instance, organized a group of female lawmakers in the 1980s to push for opening the men’s-only gym to women in the U.S. House. After joining the Senate in 1993, she boldly called for public hearings on sexual harassment allegations against a powerful Oregon senator—an action that led to his resignation.

Speier became a key figure in the fight against sexual harassment on Capitol Hill, especially after the Me Too movement took center stage in 2017. Her leadership led to crucial reforms in how sexual harassment complaints are handled in the House, ensuring that survivors have access to legal counsel at no cost and that the perpetrators—not taxpayers—are financially accountable for settlements.

“I really want the women in the House to feel they have someone that will have their back,” Speier said during the lecture.

Speier encouraged men not to be “bystanders” in the fight for gender equality. Boxer added that male allies are crucial to the cause. “The power of men supporting women cannot be understated,” she said.

Reflecting on her proudest achievements, Boxer cited her work on legislation that set standards for dolphin-safe tuna, funded afterschool programs, advanced cancer research, and enforced stricter rules for safe drinking water.

Before ending their hour-long chat, Boxer offered a powerful piece of advice to law students contemplating a career in politics: “Don’t say, ‘What do I want to be?’ Say, ‘What do I want to do?’ If you go into it that way, you’ll accomplish great things.”