What Forced Arbitration and the Oscars Can Teach Us About Allyship and Progress

On February 10th the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would end forced arbitration for workers who are victims of sexual assault and harassment. This isn't just one of the most significant changes to employment law in years, which is notoriously difficult to amend. But this is a high watermark of equitable, balanced treatment, of people in the workplace - especially women. Under the legislation, employers would be prohibited from forcing workers to settle sexual misconduct claims in closed-door arbitration venues. Employees instead would be able to file a suit in court with their own legal representation. Drastically changing an imbalanced power dynamic and hopefully leading to wider implications than what this has started. 

About 4 days later the Oscars announced Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall are set to host the 94th Oscars. 

Coincidence? Probably.

But as it does, these two events got Allison and Ren thinking. Thinking about allyship, inclusion, equity, and what we can learn from these parallel events as we aim to democratize leadership, invite more people into the conversation, and change the way we treat each other inside and outside of work. How can and should we talk about the benefits and limitations of steps toward equity and lead with that?

Related Resources: 

What is Allyship? Your Questions, Answered: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/what-is-allyship-your-questions-answered/

Understand Social Identity to Lead in a Changing World: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/understand-social-identity-to-lead-in-a-changing-world/

The Power of Respect: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/the-power-of-respect/

Inclusive Leadership: Steps Your Organization Should Take to Get it Right: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/when-inclusive-leadership-goes-wrong-and-how-to-get-it-right/

5 Keys to Retaining & Developing Women Leaders: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/5-proven-ways-develop-female-talent/

Women's Leadership Solutions: https://www.ccl.org/landing/womens-leadership/ 

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