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Earlier this year, we discussed some of our favorite books about whistleblowers who spoke out against sexist workplaces. We did this because we believe that it takes just one person to challenge and change a system for the better. Whistleblowers, their allies, and other outspoken advocates who shed light on systemic or structural gaps in protections from sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse are important to celebrate and learn from. This week, we are continuing that conversation by highlighting our favorite films about the survivors who spoke truth to power with the aim of making a safer tomorrow.
Anita: Speaking Truth to Power (2013)
Anita Hill’s testimony before congress about the experiences she had with now U.S. Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas was a watershed moment for the country. Her fearless, powerful words about what she went through gave voice to so many survivors of workplace sexual harassment. Her testimony did immense work in shaping our understanding of the issue, and many more began to speak out in light of her courage and challenge the institutions that allow for such misconduct to take place. Hill is still an advocate to this day, and it is more than worthwhile to watch this documentary and learn from her perspective where our country has moved forward since her testimony and where it still needs to go.
The Hunting Ground (2015)
Campus sexual assault has been a longstanding, pervasive issue on college campuses. Coming forward with one’s experience of sexual assault is already difficult, but it’s even more challenging when the institutions it’s reported to don’t approach these reports in a survivor-centric, trauma-informed way. Activists Annie E. Clark and Andrea Pino filed a Title IX complaint against their school, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, after the school provided an inadequate response to their sexual assault reports. Clark and Pino would go on to found End Rape on Campus, an organization working with students and institutions to make campuses safe from sexual assault. This documentary is a chance to see how their voices sparked a movement, inspiring so many to challenge their schools to change their policies and procedures around campus sexual assault.
LILLY (2024)
Fair pay advocate Lilly Ledbetter was a true trailblazer who dedicated her life to fair pay for women and eradicating workplace sexual misconduct. This year, a biopic about Ledbetter was released and brought the viewer on a journey of the steps forward and setbacks she faced in her advocacy. After years of sexual harassment and pay discrimination, she brought her employer to court. Though her victory was overturned by the Supreme Court, her advocacy inspired the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, opened the door for future whistleblowers, and led to future feminists advocating for additional policy changes to make workplaces safer and more equitable. RALIANCE was proud to partner with LILLY, and we hope that our audience takes the chance to watch this film and learn more about her story.
North Country (2005)
This movie is a fictionalized account of Jenson v. Eveleth Taconite Co., the first sexual harassment class action lawsuit in the United States. In 1988, Lois Jensen and several of her colleagues sued their employer for the stalking, sexual harassment, and other harmful behaviors they experienced at work and the improper handling of these reports. This case was an important legal milestone and set a new precedent for pathways for survivors to achieve justice, what constitutes as a hostile work environment, and the ways in which employers are required to create a safe and equitable environment for their employees. Though this movie adaptation is fictionalized, it is still a great starting point to learn more about this important case in women’s history.
Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America (2023)
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the most well-known youth group in the United States. In recent years, they have been steeped in deep controversy as their gross negligence and misconduct has been revealed to the world. Unlike the other films on this list, this is not a story of one brave voice who spoke truth to power. Rather, it’s the story of thousands of young boys and men spanning several decades who came forward about the sexual abuse they experienced during their time with the boy scouts. The added stigma against male sexual assault survivors can present additional challenges to speaking out and being heard, which is why it is so important to learn about stories like this. We owe it to the children of yesterday to learn about what additional safeguards need to be put in place to make the children of tomorrow safer. All of these men and boys played an important part in speaking truth to power, and watching this documentary is just one way to make sure their brave testimony is heard and understood.
Learning about whistleblowers is inspiring, both for individuals and institutions. At RALIANCE, we believe that organizations who fall short can still be a part of the solution, and we believe that whistleblowers must have a seat at the table to ensure future organizational safety and respect. We can’t wait to give these a re-watch and keep our eyes peeled for future stories about those who speak truth to power.
RALIANCE is a trusted adviser for organizations committed to building cultures that are safe, equitable, and respectful. RALIANCE offers unparalleled expertise in serving survivors of sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse which drives our mission to help organizations across sectors create inclusive environments for all. Visit our website or our grant page for more information.
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