Words vs. Deeds in Equal Employment Opportunity
The Letter of the Law
by Anne Versteen
1. In 1979, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Gadsden, Alabama, hired Lilly Ledbetter: She worked long hours as an overnight supervisor on the late shift from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and labored alongside men for nearly 20 years, doing the same work as they did for the company.
2. By the time she was ready to retire in 1998, Ledbetter was earning $3,727 per month. She had no idea what the men were making in comparison to her until shortly before her retirement. As her last days on the job drew near, she learned that her male counterparts, who held her same position and worked the same job, were all being paid substantially more than she was. They made between 54,286 and $5,236 per month. Company policy prohibited employees from speaking to one another about pay, so Ledbetter had not known all those years that her wages were less than those of her male equivalents.
3. Understandably, Ledbetter felt cheated and filed a complaint against Goodyear with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Then she sued the company for gender discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, alleging that the company had given her a low salary because of her gender. Goodyear denied her allegations, stating that Ledbetter was paid less because the quality of her work was poor. A jury awarded Ledbetter $3.6 million. Even though the amount was reduced to $300,000 by a district court, she had still won a monumental case for the cause of women everywhere.
4. Good year appealed and the 2007 employment discrimination case Ledbetter v. Goodyear eventually reached the Supreme Court, The Court ruled by A 5-4 vote that Ledbetter's claim was time-barred by Title VII's limitations period. Title VII holds discriminatory intent or the deliberate act of causing harm, as a crucial element of a claim, and Ledbetter would have needed to file within 180 days of a discriminatory salary decision to fall within the alloted time period. The court did not consider it relevant that the paychecks Ledbetter received within 180 days before her claim were affected by past discrimination. Unfortunately, each instance of Goodyear’s discriminatory intent fell outside the limitation period
5. The Court stated that the short statute of limitations, the period of time an employee has to file a complaint against the employer, is intended to ensure quick resolution or pay. Such instances become more difficult to defend as time passes. If the Court had accepted Ledbetter's argument, the decision would have allowed discriminatory pay decisions from years ago to be the subject of Title VII claims, In dissent. Justice Ruth Bader Ginshury clearly sided with Ledbetter, calling the majority's ruling a cramped interpretation of Title VII, incompatible with the statute's broad..
This law amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 so that discriminatory intent is recognized even if the events of intention occur outside the statute of limitations. What can readers infer from this sentence?
- A. Ledbetter waited to file her claim.
- B. Ledbetter's lawsuit created significant change.
- C. Ledbetter's employer ignored the existing law.
- D. Ledbetter felt cheated by her employer
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The statement indicates that this law addresses discriminatory intent beyond the statute of limitations, suggesting that Ledbetter's case had a significant impact on civil rights legislation. This implies that her lawsuit led to important changes in how discrimination is addressed legally. Option A is incorrect because it focuses on the timing of Ledbetter's claim rather than the implications of the law. Option C suggests negligence on the employer's part, which is not directly inferred from the statement. Option D, while it may be true, does not reflect the broader legal implications highlighted in the sentence. Thus, the emphasis is on the transformative effect of Ledbetter's lawsuit.
The statement indicates that this law addresses discriminatory intent beyond the statute of limitations, suggesting that Ledbetter's case had a significant impact on civil rights legislation. This implies that her lawsuit led to important changes in how discrimination is addressed legally. Option A is incorrect because it focuses on the timing of Ledbetter's claim rather than the implications of the law. Option C suggests negligence on the employer's part, which is not directly inferred from the statement. Option D, while it may be true, does not reflect the broader legal implications highlighted in the sentence. Thus, the emphasis is on the transformative effect of Ledbetter's lawsuit.
Other Related Questions
What is the function of the phrase 'On the other hand' in the last sentence of paragraph 11?
- A. It reinforces the positive image consumers have of local produce.
- B. It emphasizes the difference in the time it takes store-bought produce and local produce to get to consumers.
- C. It illustrates the dislike consumers have of store-bought produce.
- D. It distinguishes between consumers of store-bought produce and consumers of local produce.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The phrase "On the other hand" serves to highlight a contrasting point regarding the time it takes for different types of produce to reach consumers. This indicates a significant difference in freshness and availability between local and store-bought options, aligning with option B. Option A is incorrect because it does not focus on the time aspect; instead, it suggests a positive perception that is not the primary focus of the phrase. Option C misinterprets the phrase's intent, as it does not address consumer dislike but rather a comparison. Option D inaccurately suggests a distinction between two consumer groups, which is not the main emphasis of the sentence.
The phrase "On the other hand" serves to highlight a contrasting point regarding the time it takes for different types of produce to reach consumers. This indicates a significant difference in freshness and availability between local and store-bought options, aligning with option B. Option A is incorrect because it does not focus on the time aspect; instead, it suggests a positive perception that is not the primary focus of the phrase. Option C misinterprets the phrase's intent, as it does not address consumer dislike but rather a comparison. Option D inaccurately suggests a distinction between two consumer groups, which is not the main emphasis of the sentence.
Water is currently the leading renewable energy source used by electric utilities to generate electric power. What role does this quotation play in the article?
- A. It provides a summary of the main points that will be developed in the article.
- B. It provides a concrete example of a bigger idea the author will address.
- C. It provides a different way of examining a problem the author will discuss.
- D. It provides a key idea that will be discussed in the article.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The quotation highlights water as the leading renewable energy source, establishing its significance in the context of electric power generation. This key idea sets the stage for the article's focus on renewable energy sources and their impact. Option A is incorrect because it does not summarize the article's main points but rather introduces a specific topic. Option B is misleading as the quotation does not serve merely as an example but emphasizes a central theme. Option C is not suitable since the quotation does not present an alternative perspective but rather underscores a primary concept the author will explore.
The quotation highlights water as the leading renewable energy source, establishing its significance in the context of electric power generation. This key idea sets the stage for the article's focus on renewable energy sources and their impact. Option A is incorrect because it does not summarize the article's main points but rather introduces a specific topic. Option B is misleading as the quotation does not serve merely as an example but emphasizes a central theme. Option C is not suitable since the quotation does not present an alternative perspective but rather underscores a primary concept the author will explore.
Which aspect of the evening does the narrator claim she finds most captivating?
- A. the style of the ladies' skirts
- B. her godfather's nodding head
- C. her father's antique violin
- D. the elegance of the headdresses
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The narrator is particularly drawn to the style of the ladies' skirts, highlighting how their fashion captures her attention and evokes a sense of admiration. This focus on skirts reflects a deeper appreciation for beauty and artistry in the evening's atmosphere. Option B, her godfather's nodding head, is a more passive observation and lacks the emotional engagement present in her fascination with the skirts. Option C, her father's antique violin, while significant, does not hold the same captivating allure as the skirts. Lastly, option D, the elegance of the headdresses, is appealing but secondary to the skirts, which are emphasized as the primary source of her captivation.
The narrator is particularly drawn to the style of the ladies' skirts, highlighting how their fashion captures her attention and evokes a sense of admiration. This focus on skirts reflects a deeper appreciation for beauty and artistry in the evening's atmosphere. Option B, her godfather's nodding head, is a more passive observation and lacks the emotional engagement present in her fascination with the skirts. Option C, her father's antique violin, while significant, does not hold the same captivating allure as the skirts. Lastly, option D, the elegance of the headdresses, is appealing but secondary to the skirts, which are emphasized as the primary source of her captivation.
What is one theme of this excerpt?
- A. Wealth is not always determined by money.
- B. Early music education builds character.
- C. Personal appearances do not always indicate worth.
- D. Early memories are enduring.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The theme of enduring early memories highlights how formative experiences shape our identities and perceptions throughout life. This notion resonates with many, as childhood memories often leave lasting impressions. Option A, while insightful, suggests a focus on wealth, which is not the primary theme. Option B addresses music education, which may be relevant but does not capture the essence of memory. Option C discusses appearances and worth, diverging from the central idea of memory's lasting impact. Thus, the emphasis on early memories aligns most closely with the excerpt’s theme.
The theme of enduring early memories highlights how formative experiences shape our identities and perceptions throughout life. This notion resonates with many, as childhood memories often leave lasting impressions. Option A, while insightful, suggests a focus on wealth, which is not the primary theme. Option B addresses music education, which may be relevant but does not capture the essence of memory. Option C discusses appearances and worth, diverging from the central idea of memory's lasting impact. Thus, the emphasis on early memories aligns most closely with the excerpt’s theme.