Rights and Respect : What You Need to Know about Gender Bias and Sexual Harassment

Describes sexual harassment in school and at work, explains the relationship of harassment to sex discrimination, and explores methods of preventing gender bias and harassment

Grade 9 Up-Gay covers many aspects of gender bias, from gender socialization of babies to the Hill/Thomas hearings. With such an ambitious scope, it is no wonder that some issues are oversimplified; however, the author generally delivers concrete facts and an objective viewpoint on issues facing many students. Most relevant to the intended audience are the chapters on discrimination in schools. Gay defines sexual harassment and gives examples of its occurrence in the classroom. Stories of young people who experienced it and brought charges against the perpetrators will hold readers' attention. One section gives advice on filing a complaint. Another relates the findings of the 1992 AAUW report, "How Schools Shortchange Girls"; critical interpretations of the report are included as well. Other topics covered will be useful for reports and class discussion, such as the Tailhook scandal and the charges against former Senator Bob Packwood. Examples of harassment cases are well documented, but the writing is sometimes dry, and there is no illustrative material to break up the text.
Rebecca O'Connell, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 7^-12. Adhering to her usual practice of writing about thorny contemporary issues, Gay turns her attention to gender bias, specifically to sexual harassment in the workplace and in education. Using an anecdotal style that is very readable, she provides legal definitions, examines important studies and court cases, describes programs and legislation intended to prevent gender discrimination and sexual harassment, and offers information on procedures for dealing with discriminatory behavior. She also discusses the problem and ramifications of false accusations. Student researchers will appreciate the balanced presentation, with its meticulous documentation, extensive bibliography, and resource listing. Chris Sherman