Media advisory: Professor can discuss military family leave policy changes

LAWRENCE — Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced last week that he would institute a 12-week maternity leave in all branches and increase paid paternity leave to 14 days from 10. The personnel initiatives are aimed at making military careers more attractive to millennials, according to national news reports.

The changes double the amount of maternity leave for the Army and Air Force, though they represent a reduction for the Navy and Marine Corps from 18 weeks.

A University of Kansas researcher who studies women's issues, gender in the military and national politics is available to discuss the effects of the new personnel initiatives.

Alesha Doan, associate professor of political science, researches women's issues and the intersection of public policy and gender. She is leading a research team investigating the opportunities and challenges of gender integration in the military.

Doan and Shannon Portillo, associate professor in the KU School of Public Affairs and Administration, were part of the Women's Foundation study, Project Diane, released in November, and the researchers recommended interventions to overcome barriers in policy implementation and daily operations as the military continues increased gender integration throughout combat forces within the Army.

To arrange an interview with Doan, contact George Diepenbrock at 785-864-8853 or gdiepenbrock@ku.edu.