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..
What is the relationship between paragraphs 7 and 8?
- A. Paragraph 8 presents a solution to a problem raised in paragraph 7.
- B. Paragraph 8 contrasts information in paragraph 7.
- C. Paragraph 8 applies a concept presented in paragraph 7.
- D. Paragraph 8 provides evidence for an issue presented in paragraph 7.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Paragraph 7 introduces a specific idea or situation, while paragraph 8 presents a contrasting viewpoint or alternative perspective, highlighting differences rather than similarities. This contrast is essential for understanding the complexity of the topic. Option A is incorrect as there is no solution offered in paragraph 8; it merely contrasts the information. Option C misinterprets the relationship; applying a concept implies continuity rather than opposition. Option D suggests that paragraph 8 supports paragraph 7, which is not the case since it presents a differing perspective rather than evidence. Thus, the relationship is one of contrast.
Paragraph 7 introduces a specific idea or situation, while paragraph 8 presents a contrasting viewpoint or alternative perspective, highlighting differences rather than similarities. This contrast is essential for understanding the complexity of the topic. Option A is incorrect as there is no solution offered in paragraph 8; it merely contrasts the information. Option C misinterprets the relationship; applying a concept implies continuity rather than opposition. Option D suggests that paragraph 8 supports paragraph 7, which is not the case since it presents a differing perspective rather than evidence. Thus, the relationship is one of contrast.
Other Related Questions
According to paragraphs 1 and 2 of 'The Letter of the Law,' Lilly Ledbetter worked for Goodyear for nearly 20 years; however, conflict arose in 1998 when Ledbetter was nearing retirement. What can the reader infer from the information in these paragraphs?
- A. Women at Goodyear received fewer promotions than men.
- B. Male supervisors were indifferent about the salaries paid to the female supervisors.
- C. Company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law.
- D. Female employees performed less strenuous tasks than their male counterparts
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The inference that company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law aligns with the context of conflict arising as Lilly Ledbetter approached retirement. This suggests systemic issues that may have facilitated unfair practices. Option A, while plausible, lacks direct evidence from the text regarding promotions. Option B assumes indifference without supporting details about supervisors’ attitudes toward salaries. Option D inaccurately generalizes the nature of tasks assigned to female employees, which is not mentioned in the paragraphs and does not directly relate to the conflict described.
The inference that company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law aligns with the context of conflict arising as Lilly Ledbetter approached retirement. This suggests systemic issues that may have facilitated unfair practices. Option A, while plausible, lacks direct evidence from the text regarding promotions. Option B assumes indifference without supporting details about supervisors’ attitudes toward salaries. Option D inaccurately generalizes the nature of tasks assigned to female employees, which is not mentioned in the paragraphs and does not directly relate to the conflict described.
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.
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.
Based on the details in the excerpt, which generalization can be made about Hester and William as parents?
- A. They are strict and avoid pampering their sons.
- B. They are confident about the future for their sons.
- C. They are respected as role models by their sons.
- D. They are demanding and intentionally overwork their sons.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Hester and William demonstrate a parenting style that emphasizes discipline and structure, suggesting they are strict and avoid pampering their sons. This is evident in their expectations and the manner in which they guide their children. Option B is incorrect as the excerpt does not provide evidence of their confidence regarding their sons' futures. Option C lacks support, as respect from children often stems from positive reinforcement, which is not indicated here. Option D misrepresents their approach; while they may have high expectations, the term "overwork" implies a negative, excessive pressure that is not supported by the details in the excerpt.
Hester and William demonstrate a parenting style that emphasizes discipline and structure, suggesting they are strict and avoid pampering their sons. This is evident in their expectations and the manner in which they guide their children. Option B is incorrect as the excerpt does not provide evidence of their confidence regarding their sons' futures. Option C lacks support, as respect from children often stems from positive reinforcement, which is not indicated here. Option D misrepresents their approach; while they may have high expectations, the term "overwork" implies a negative, excessive pressure that is not supported by the details in the excerpt.