The Law
The current sexual harassment law in the United States has developed over the past four decades. Here are some landmark cases and events in the history of sexual harassment law. See below for some history on the following sexual harassment milestones.
1964 Federal Civil Rights Act becomes law.
1972Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
1976 Court rules on sex discrimination.
Williams v. Saxbe 1980 EEOC issues federal guidelines.
1981 Federal Appeals Court endorses Title VII.
Bundy v. Jackson 1986 U.S. Supreme Court rules on "unwelcome" behavior.
Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson 1991 Title VII is "a sword...not a shield."
Robinson v. Jacksonville Shipyards 1991 Court set standard of "reasonable woman." Ellison v. Brady |
1991 Federal Civil Rights Act of 1991 becomes law.
1993 U.S. Supreme Court rules again on sexual harassment.
Harris v. Forklift Systems 1998 U.S. Supreme Court rules on same-sex harassment.
Oncale v. Sundowner Offshore Services 1998 U.S. Supreme Court decides in favor of lifeguard.
Faragher v. City of Boca Raton 1998 U.S. Supreme Court finds employer responsible for threats.
Burlington Industries, Inc. v. Ellerth 2004 U.S. Supreme Court clarifies employer responsibility.
Pennsylvania State Police vs. Suders |