Lilly Ledbetter Case

Female citizens of The United States have been unfairly paid for many years. It is clear to say that men dominate the work force. Although men are receiving higher pay, a number of women today have the same level of education and experience as them. Most women do not realize they are being discriminated upon. One of those women happens to be Lilly Ledbetter. Ledbetter was one of the few female supervisors at her job who had found out she was the subject of discrimination. Lilly Ledbetter worked as a supervisor at the Goodyear plant in Gadsden, Alabama. She worked there for almost two decades until she received a note that revealed the salaries of three other male managers. Ledbetter was very disturbed by what she had seen and filed a complaint immediately. Eventually the case went to trial. According to the Supreme Court the rule held in the 11th circuit was that employees could not challenge any discriminatory pay if it has occurred for more than 180 days. Since Ledbetter’s failed to file a lawsuit against the company within 180 days, the court won 5 to 4. In other words Ledbetter continued to receive discriminatory pay because her case was filed too late. Judge, Justice Ginsburg was so appalled by the courts decision, she decided to dissent from it. She defended women’s rights, In her own words she said “In our view the court …show more content…
This will ensure that individuals will not be penalized for being unaware of discriminatory pay. This act will have an impact on women today because it is opening doors for those who are sexually discriminated upon in the work field. If any female finds out they are victims of these acts, the Ledbetter Act can now ensure that women can effectively challenge unequal pay, regardless the 180 days. Many women feel as though they don’t have enough power to speak out simply because they never have much of a say in anything. The Ledbetter Act is considered the change for