Question

what congressional action did the supreme court use as their foundation for opposing sexual harassment?

the lily ledbetter act
the equal rights amendment to the constitution
title vii of the civil rights act of 1964
title ix of the 1972 education act

Explanation:

Identify the legal foundation for sexual harassment rulings

The Supreme Court first recognized sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination in the landmark case Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson (1986). The Court based this decision on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Evaluate the given options

• the Lilly Ledbetter Act: Focuses on fair pay and the statute of limitations for filing pay discrimination lawsuits.
• the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution: Was never fully ratified and is not a congressional act used as a foundation for these rulings.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: The primary federal statute prohibiting sex discrimination in employment, which the Supreme Court interpreted to include sexual harassment.
• Title IX of the 1972 Education Act: Prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs, not the primary foundation for general workplace sexual harassment jurisprudence.

Answer:

• the Lilly Ledbetter Act
• the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Correct answer)
• Title IX of the 1972 Education Act