According to the July 4 Time magazine, three female plaintiffs alleged that Wal-Mart gives its mostly male supervisors too much discretion, which leads to gender bias in pay and promotions. But in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that without stronger “glue holding together” the claims, the women would have to pursue their cases individually.
Recently deceased Maj. Gen. Mary E. Clarke pursued her case individually in the military when she made history in 1978 by being named commander of Fort McClellan, the first woman to head a major U.S. military installation. When a brash male lieutenant publicly referred to her as “Mother Mary,” Gen. Clarke dismissed him from her command. She was no shrinking violet.
Neither is Lilly Ledbetter, who is still seeking liberty and justice for her gender.
An inventory on Independence Day found Lilly still seeking to crash the glass ceiling of discrimination.
Maj. Gen. Clarke successfully pursued her case individually in the military. While awaiting nomination as an outstanding American woman, Ledbetter is pursuing her case as a prominent civilian.
Independence Day inventory was revealing.
John A. Vanderford
Jacksonville
