OSHER 930 - Gender and the Law

This course will explore the legal history of gender and the law, understanding gender in its broadest sense including sex, sexuality, and gender identity. In six weeks, we will discuss sex discrimination doctrines under the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution as well as under federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. By focusing on U.S. Supreme Court decisions and gender equality advocates, the course will explore the relationship between law and justice in many areas that affect gender minority lives, including employment, schools, health care, family, and beyond. The work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Brenda Feigen, Sandra Day O'Connor, and Pauli Murray will be discussed.