UC Law SF’s Center for WorkLife Law celebrates 60 years of landmark anti-discrimination law at the White House
![The United States White House building](https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/white-house.jpg)
By UC Law SF
Acknowledging its efforts in the movement to defend workers’ rights, UC Law SF’s Center for WorkLife Law (WLL) was invited to a White House event marking six decades since the passage of a landmark anti-discrimination law.
WLL Co-Director Jessica Lee joined several workers’ rights leaders for the July 29 celebration of the 60th anniversary of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The groundbreaking law remains an essential tool the center uses to protect the health, safety and economic security of pregnant and caregiving workers.
Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on one’s race, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender), color, religion or national origin. It also established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal agency that enforces the law.
![WorkLife Law Co-Director Jessica Lee and WLL Board Member Tina Sherman celebrate the 60th anniversary of Title VII at a White House event July 29](https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lee-Sherman-White-House-768x1209-1.jpg)
WorkLife Law Co-Director Jessica Lee and WLL Board Member Tina Sherman celebrate the 60th anniversary of Title VII at a White House event July 29. The law remains an essential tool used by the center to protect workers’ rights.
“We are honored for WorkLife Law’s role in the legacy of Title VII to be recognized amongst such a powerful group of history-makers,” Jessica wrote. “We left with an even deeper appreciation for this movement after hearing from leaders working to secure fair and accessible employment, including Gillian Thomas, WorkLife Law board member and ACLU senior staff attorney; Charlotte A. Burrows, federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) chair; Jocelyn Samuels, EEOC vice chair; and courageous Title VII plaintiffs.”
![Jessica Lee with federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission vice chair Jocelyn Samuels](https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-07-29-WLL-White-House-1-e1722292190579.jpg)
Jessica Lee with federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission vice chair Jocelyn Samuels
WLL works to fight discrimination in jobs and education through research, advocacy, grassroots partnerships, and direct assistance to students and workers. Some of its recent projects include operating the nation’s first and only legal resource center for pregnant and parenting students, empowering pregnant farmworkers to assert their legal rights through the Dar a Luz initiative, and working to ensure employees and students are not penalized for their reproductive health choices.
“The work of Title VII continues,” says Jessica. “We remain committed to another 60 years advancing the legal rights of workers alongside our partners and community.”