Led by law professor and anti-sexual harassment icon, Anita Hill, the Hollywood Commission on Eliminating Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality recently launched what they claim is the largest industry survey ever conducted. The study, which is open to anyone who has ever worked in entertainment or tried to work in the business, will be used to develop anti-bias and anti-harassment policies in the future.
The commission’s undertaking comes nearly two years after the #MeToo movement erupted in Hollywood, causing many powerful entertainment players to lose their jobs and countless women to share their stories about facing sexual harassment in Hollywood.
Using Real Data to Make Change
Because of the fear of retaliation, many women and men refuse to stand up to their harassers or continue to go along with sexual favors to gain a foothold in the highly competitive entertainment industry. Some stay quiet to avoid being blacklisted by industry bigwigs. Hill and the Hollywood Commission hope the anonymous online survey process will finally give those individuals a chance to make their voice heard and help create change. Actors, stylists, writers, producers, hair and makeup artists, and anyone associated with entertainment are encouraged to participate.
Pennsylvania Sexual Harassment Laws
Every person should feel safe to go to a workplace free of sexual harassment in all its forms. In Pennsylvania, several laws exist to protect sexual harassment victims, including Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act and The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. While state and federal laws do not generally cover an offhand comment or joke here or there, they do prevent more pervasive and damaging forms of gender-related workplace harassment, including:
- Unwelcome sexual advances
- Unwanted physical contact
- Unwanted sexually explicit messages or photos
- Verbal harassment of a sexual nature
- Requests for sexual favors in exchange for employment advances
- Physical sexual assault
Sexual harassment takes a devastating toll on a victim’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. That is why reporting it at every level as a bystander and a victim is crucial. The entertainment industry study may give us a better sense of just how extensive the problem is and hopefully lead to new changes going forward. The study’s findings are scheduled to be released early next year.
Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Fight All Forms of Workplace Harassment
If you experienced unwanted sexual advances or if harassment has elevated to physical advances or assault, the Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. can help. Call us at 215-569-1999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we proudly represent clients throughout Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and South Jersey.
