Jcksonville Shipyards and Sex Discrimination
In the Case of Sex Discrimination at Wal-Mart.
What financial impact do you think the lawsuit could potentially have on Wal-Mart?
What are the major moral complaints of the females suing Wal-Mart? Do you believe these moral complaints are justified? Why?
What, if anything, do you think Wal-Mart should do to correct these discrepancies? Should the company institute an "affirmative action" promotion program for female employees? If so, what should this program look like?
Do you think the women deserve to win their lawsuit?
In the Case of Jacksonville Shipyards.
Although the behavior of Robinson's male coworkers is morally objectionable, should management attempt to prevent it? Do you accept the claim that the workers have a right to post pictures in the workplace? Is this a personal problem that workers should handle among themselves?
Title VII does not mention sexual harassment but merely prohibits sex discrimination. Was the treatment of Lois Robinson a form of sex discrimination? Suppose the managers of Jacksonville Shipyards admit that her treatment was morally wrong but deny that they or her male coworkers did anything illegal. Would you agree?
How was Lois Robinson harmed? No one pressured her for sexual favors, she was not denied any advancement or wage increases because of her treatment, and she did not suffer a mental breakdown. Rather, she was offended. Does any employee have a right not to be offended?
The sign "Men Only" on the trailer door might have been intended to keep Robinson from seeing pornographic material and to preserve an all-male enclave in the workplace. Is the posting of the sign morally (and legally) objectionable? Hint: what was the trailer used for?