Blog Archive

Sarah Crawford, Director of Workplace Fairness

From the desk of ... Sarah Crawford

When is a Supervisor Not a Supervisor?

In June, the US Supreme Court dealt a stunning blow to workers' rights in Vance v. Ball State University, a case that could have a chilling impact on victims of harassment and America's civil rights laws.

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From the desk of ... National Partnership Staff

Same-Sex Couples Deserve Equal Protection Under the Law

March 26, 2013 | Judges and Supreme Court | Judges and Supreme Court > Supreme Court Cases

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the first of two cases that could significantly affect same-sex couples in this country.

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From the desk of ... Sarah Crawford

Supreme Court to Take Up Supervisor Harassment Case

November 26, 2012 | Judges and Supreme Court | Workplace Fairness

Later this term, the Supreme Court will decide the case of Vance v. Ball State, a case that will have critical implications for the ability of our nation's civil rights laws to root out unlawful workplace harassment.

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From the desk of ... Sarah Crawford

Supreme Court Erodes State Workers' FMLA Rights

March 21, 2012 | Judges and Supreme Court | Work and Family

By a narrow majority, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Coleman v. Maryland Court of Appeals has eroded the right of millions of state workers to take job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) when faced with a serious illness, injury, or pregnancy.

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From the desk of ... Kirsten Sloan

Defending Progress on Health Care

January 17, 2012 | Health Care | Judges and Supreme Court

In March, the United States Supreme Court will hear a challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) - the health reform law enacted in 2010.

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From the desk of ... Sarah Crawford

Supreme Court to Decide State Workers' Rights Under FMLA

January 11, 2012 | Work and Family | Workplace Fairness | Judges and Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral argument today in Coleman v. Maryland Court of Appeals - a case that could erode the right of millions of state workers to take job-protected, unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when faced with a serious illness.

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From the desk of ... Debra L. Ness

Shameful: Partisan Politics Block Another Highly Qualified Judicial Nominee

December 7, 2011 | Judges and Supreme Court

All year, we've seen partisan politics impede the progress America needs -- from jobs to anti-discrimination measures to work and family advances to the safety net.

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From the desk of ... Judith L. Lichtman

Remembering a Major Step toward Equality in the Courts

September 25, 2011 | Judges and Supreme Court

Thirty years ago today, women and girls in every corner of the country watched with pride as Sandra Day O'Connor raised her right hand, took an oath and became the first woman justice on the Supreme Court.

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From the desk of ... Judith L. Lichtman

The Power of Three

October 4, 2010 | Judges and Supreme Court

It's the first Monday in October, and the Supreme Court convenes today for a new term. But this term is different from all others because, today for the first time ever, three women are serving together on our highest court. It is significant -- momentous -- that one-third of the Court is female, even though that fraction does not yet represent our proportion of the population. But it is a sign of progress that was once almost unimaginable for me and most of my peers.

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From the desk of ... Debra L. Ness

And Kagan Makes Three!

August 5, 2010 | Judges and Supreme Court

I am thrilled that the Senate has confirmed Elena Kagan to serve on the Supreme Court. This is an important milestone in our journey toward equal rights for women - and our nation will be stronger as a result.

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From the desk of ... Judith L. Lichtman

The Sweet Smell of Progress

June 9, 2010 | Judges and Supreme Court

Earlier this month, I was invited by the White House to watch President Obama nominate Solicitor General Elena Kagan to serve on the Supreme Court. The ceremony was even more moving than I expected, and that took me a little by surprise.

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From the desk of ... Judith L. Lichtman

Kagan: Supremely Intelligent, Eminently Qualified

May 13, 2010 | Judges and Supreme Court

I had the honor and privilege of attending a special announcement ceremony at the White House on Monday, and I couldn't be more pleased with President Obama's decision to nominate Solicitor General Elena Kagan as the next United States Supreme Court justice. I have known her for many decades and have deep respect for her commitment to equal justice.

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