Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

As originally introduced in Congress, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 didn't prohibit sex discrimination. In fact, sex discrimination was added to the bill at the last minute as a poison pill: Gender equality was thought to be such a non-starter that the Congressman who made the amendment assumed it would guarantee that the law wouldn't pass.  

Well, we've come a long way baby. Today courts recognize not only that sex discrimination is illegal, but that pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment are prohibited as well. The articles in this section explain employee rights to work free from gender-based mistreatment.  

The Equal Pay Act requires equal pay for equal work.

A reader asks whether she should file a sex discrimination lawsuit.

A reader asks about the legality of gender-based dress requirements.

Learn how to protect yourself from sexual harassment at the workplace.

Sexual harassment takes many forms in today's workplace.

Sexual harassment on the job can have a number of serious consequences.

Learn about sexual harassment and know when to get a lawyer.

Find out whether a lawyer would be interested in taking your sexual harassment case.

Learn about what compensation you can receive in your sexual harassment case.

Learn about direct evidence and circumstantial evidence of pregnancy discrimination.

Employers may have to provide light duty assignments to pregnant employees.

California employees are entitled to lactation breaks under federal and state law.

Learn about your right to time off or other assistance during your pregnancy.

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