Anti-discrimination laws are an excellent tool for creating honest relationships in society. Some of these laws, for example, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, protect the rights of citizens for comfortable and safe working conditions. This paper aims to examine a case of civil rights violation of the fictional Flora Tucher, explain the importance of harassment laws, and describe two forms of sexual harassment discrimination.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects the rights of citizens in employment and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, or national origin (“Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” n.d.). Passing a math test and an aptitude test by Flora Tucher was legal, as the sales worker must be able to count, and this has nothing to do with any of the features listed above, which are protected by law.
Other important and influential anti-discrimination laws contribute to the creation of a safe environment in the workplace. These are the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (“Harassment,” n.d.). These laws expand the scope of civil rights protection and are often violated nowadays. Besides, in the 21st century, the sexual harassment topic sparked a lively discussion after the trial over Harvey Weinstein. The case had a huge resonance and prompted the start of the #MeToo movement.
According to Title VII, harassment happens if abusive behavior becomes a condition for continuing the work at the enterprise. It also occurs if the actions are severe enough to create a work environment that a sensible person considers intimidating, hostile, or abusive. There are two types of sexual harassment – “sexual harassment quid pro quo” and “sexual harassment of a hostile work environment” (“Types of sexual harassment,” n.d.). Therefore, if someone’s boss likes to hug his subordinates for a job well done, this cannot be considered sexual harassment if his actions are not offensive and do not cause protests.
Thus, an explanation was given as to why Flora Tucher’s math and aptitude testing was legal. Other laws protecting the civil rights of employees were discussed as well. Also, a presentation was given on what cases of violation of personal boundaries in the workplace can be considered harassment, and two types of sexual harassment were described. Harassment can be expressed verbally or through action and has to be necessarily offensive.
References
Harassment. (n.d.). Web.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (n.d.). Web.
Types of sexual harassment. (n.d.). Web.