TOPIC 1
What it Says and What It Means
The first thing to learn about sexual harassment is where the whole issue started. In this topic, you'll read Title 7, which is the federal law on which most cases are based, and you'll learn what the law really means.
And you'll also learn about the landmark case that made it clear that Americans' civil rights include protection from sexual harassment at work.Start by taking a look at the background of sexual harassment law. It's 1965 and Congress is embroiled in a huge debate.
The issue is the Civil Rights Bill, intended to end racial discrimination in a wide range of areas, including employment.
In a move calculated to defeat the bill, opponents come up with a brilliant strategy - add women to the job protection provision, and surely the bill will go down in flames!
No one will support job protection for women, they reason. That's one way to get at least half the population - the male half - on their side.
And remember, in 1964, a lot of women weren't so sure about "feminism" either.