Feldman: "This unanimous Supreme Court decision is a victory for womens rights and makes our schools a safer place for all children."
Contact: Kate Bigam or Jessie Weiser
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WASHINGTON, D.C., January 22, 2009 - In response to this weeks Supreme Court decision in Fitzgerald et vir v. Barnstable School Committee et al., Rabbi Marla Feldman, Director of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
This unanimous Supreme Court decision in Fitzgerald et vir v. Barnstable School Committee et al. is a victory for womens rights and makes our schools a safer place for all children. The Courts decision ensures that women facing sexual harassment have multiple, necessary legal avenues through which to pursue redress. The decision also displays the Courts understanding that sexual harassment continues to burden our nations students and that Title IX was intended to provide additional protection for those who are most vulnerable.
The Union for Reform Judaism was proud to join an amicus brief in this case, coordinated by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Womens Law Center. The brief made clear that Congress intended Title IX to provide additional protection for women experiencing sex discrimination, not limited to the constitutional protections already in place. We are delighted that every member of the Supreme Court supported this position, ensuring that women will be protected by the full force of the law when seeking redress for sexual harassment.
