Ledbetter and Beyond: Does the Media Oversimplify Gender Issues?

Civil Rights Practice Group and the Committee for Justice

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Ledbetter and Beyond:  Does the Media Oversimplify Gender Issues?Five years ago, in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire Corporation, the U.S. Supreme Court said paychecks received by an employee after an alleged discriminatory action did not extend a statute of limitations, because they did not constitute renewed acts of discrimination. After the decision, with extensive coverage by the media, Congress amended the underlying statute – the Civil Rights Act – to provide that the 180-day statute of limitations resets with each paycheck and twice attempted to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. Since then, gender issues have taken an increasingly important role in discussions of law, policy, and electoral politics, garnering a great deal of media attention and public discussion. What are the true implications of the Ledbetter case and the government’s actions? Have they been used, perhaps opportunistically or disingenuously, by either side in this debate? Have gender issues in general been misused in the same way?

Featuring:

  • Ms. Jennifer Braceras, Columnist and former Commissioner, United States Commission on Civil Rights
  • Ms. Fatima Goss Graves, Vice President for Education and Employment, National Women’s Law Center
  • Ms. Marcia Greenberger, Co-President, National Women’s Law Center
  • Ms. Sabrina Schaeffer, Executive Director, Independent Women’s Forum
  • Moderator: Mr. Curt Levey, President, Committee for Justice