Women & The Law 2

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

A federal law prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, religion, sex, or national origin.

Equal Pay Act of 1963

An amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act that prohibits wage discrimination between employees based on sex.

Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ)

An exception to the prohibition against employment discrimination, allowing for hiring based on characteristics like sex or religion if necessary for the job.

Disparate Impact

A legal theory that addresses employment practices that are not intended to discriminate but still have a disproportionate effect on a protected group.

Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome sexual advances or conduct that creates a hostile work environment, potentially violating Title VII.

Affirmative Action

Policies aimed at increasing opportunities for historically excluded groups in employment and education, often mandated by laws or executive orders.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

A federal agency that enforces laws against workplace discrimination.

General Electric v. Gilbert

A Supreme Court case that ruled pregnancy exclusions in employment benefits did not violate Title VII; later led to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

Comparable Worth

The theory that jobs predominantly held by women should be paid equally to jobs predominantly held by men, based on the value of the work.

Bostock v. Clayton County

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII.

Executive Orders 11246 and 11375

Orders that prohibited discrimination in employment practices by federal contractors and promoted affirmative action.

Harris v. Forklift Systems

A key Supreme Court case that established standards for determining when sexual harassment violates Title VII.

Davis v. Monroe County

A Supreme Court case that addressed the responsibility of schools to deal with sexual harassment of students under Title IX.

Procedure for Complaints under Title VII

Individuals must file a complaint with the EEOC, which investigates and may pursue action if reasonable cause is found.

Remedies under Title VII

Remedies can include injunctions, hiring preferences, compensatory damages, and affirmative action to rectify violations.