Recently, men have claimed that they are unfairly excluded from women-centered organizations, which focus on the empowerment of women only. There are many organizations that focus on women-only programs and benefits. Yale University and the University of Southern California offer scholarships to women and are now under investigation by the Department of Education. The Wing, a social space exclusive to women, is also under investigation for gender discrimination by the New York City Commission on Human Rights.
Certain organizations have been forced to shut down or downsize due to the controversy over the exclusion of men. An organization that attempted to increase the number of women on the golf course was sold and shut down after a settlement with the plaintiff for women-only events. In another case, the head of Chic CEO, an organization that offers online resources for women entrepreneurs, was forced to downsize her company with a settlement that alleged her company excluded men from networking events.
Litigants Prosecute Women-Only Organizations
Supporters of women-only businesses and events not only view litigations of this type as an abuse of the law, but an attack on the civil rights of the people the law was designed to protect. The for-profit membership organization, Ladies Get Paid, provides an online network and programming system to women about career advancement and managing finances. This company was also sued by two men when they were denied entry into their sponsored women-only event. Reasons for this gender-specific group conducting work-based events include support from other women, discussions on raising the pay gap, and providing more opportunities to speak up in a professional setting.
The attorneys of the plaintiff claimed that advertisements with language suggesting that men be excluded, followed by denying men entry into the event was marked by poor judgement by Ladies Get Paid. The director of the organization felt differently, claiming that the language of the event was cheeky. The director of the Gender Equality and LGBT Rights Program at Legal Aid also disagreed and viewed it as an attack on the organization and its civil rights.
The courts have found that women-only organizations can distinguish between men and women when it is supported by evidence and is non-arbitrary with a strong public policy. In other words, the purpose for having policies that treat men and women differently should be for the purpose of empowerment and closing the wage gap, and less about making profit.
Montgomery County Discrimination Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Represent Victims of Gender Discrimination
If you have been unfairly excluded from organizations based on your gender, contact a Montgomery County discrimination lawyer at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. today for legal guidance. Conveniently located in Philadelphia, we represent and advocate for clients from the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or contact us online for a free consultation.
