The Press Forward applauds new law to protect survivors of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace

Statement of The Press Forward Executive Director Carolyn McGourty Supple

SAN FRANCISCO — Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Ending Forced Arbitration Act, legislation that bars employers from forcing sexual harassment and assault claims into arbitration. The bill, which was previously passed by the House of Representatives, heads to the president to be signed into law. The Press Forward Executive Director Carolyn McGourty Supple issued the following statement in response:

“Today, the U.S. Senate took a stand in support of survivors of workplace sexual harassment and assault. Arbitration is too often used by employers to keep sexual harassment and assault hidden from view, allowing perpetrators to continue abuse. When President Biden signs the Ending Forced Arbitration Act into law, those who have been harassed and attacked will have the power to seek justice in a court of law.

“Thank you to all who have spoken out about and against sexual harassment and assualt. We are especially grateful to Gretchen Carlson for championing the cause and sharing her platform to give voice to those without power. 

“Every person deserves a workplace free of harassment and discrimination so they are able to do their best work. To make that happen, we need to dismantle corporate cultures and policies that embolden perpetrators and silence their victims. Today, we are one step closer to doing just that.”

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The Press Forward is a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative dedicated to advancing newsroom culture through training, education and research. The initiative works on issues including harassment and workplace rights, the pipeline to leadership and the future of work. It is a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives, a registered 501(c)(3).