Lois's Story: A Landmark Case That Changed U.S. Sexual Harassment Legislation

Author: Bingham
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2004-09-01
Features: This book tells us that for the marginalized groups in society to protect their interests and dignity, they must undergo arduous efforts. Yet, it is because of such efforts that history is rewritten and society progresses. — Li Yinhang, Sociologist
A true story. A woman's story, and also a story of the underprivileged. One of many stories unknown to outsiders, and many not spoken of by outsiders. So and painful, yet captivating. Like a novel with twists and turns, with a bright turn at the end, yet it is based on a real account—in the world, in you and me. It has happened, and it continues to happen. Perhaps, this is also a story about action and courage. To stand up, to resist, to speak. Silence should have ended. — Dai Jinhua, Scholar
The story takes place in 1975. Lois Jansen, a young, attractive single mother living on welfare, came to Minnesota's cold northern region to work for the Eveleth Iron Company for a living. From then on, she entered a perilous environment dominated by men and faced sexual harassment. Every day, she and her female colleagues were subjected to shocking sexual harassment, including lewd jokes, dildos, and vulgar language. Until one day in 1984, Lois bravely decided to file a lawsuit against the company, which had a indifferent attitude toward sexual harassment. From the first submission of the lawsuit to the three exhausting trials that left her emotionally drained, the resilient Lois, with strong evidence, the visionary and dedicated work of her legal team, and the solidarity of the female workers, ultimately won the case after fifteen years. This was the first group sexual harassment lawsuit in U.S. history, and also one of the most difficult. Today in the United States, almost all companies and educational organizations have established strict anti-sexual harassment policies. This change is largely due to Lois's initial decision and the precedent set by this case.
Author Clara Bingham and Laura Liddell Gansler, with the keen insight of journalists and the rigor of lawyers, have faithfullyed the story with plain language, thorough research, and a gripping narrative. They have perfectly depicted the evolution of attitudes toward "sexual harassment" among different stakeholders in American society, the court, the government, the victims, the companies, and the lawyers representing various interests.