In 1966, Ida Phillips was informed by the Martin Marietta Corporation that they would not accept job applications from women who had children that were preschool aged. However, at that time, the corporation was receiving and accepting job applications from men with children who were the same age. The corporation had a policy that denied the job applications of women with children because they were considered to be unreliable employees. This led Phillips to sue the corporation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, claiming that the actions of the Martin Marietta Corporation were discriminatory. When brought to the district court, it was held that there was insufficient evidence proving a gender bias within the corporation. This was because seventy-five percent of those who were hired for the position Phillips applied for were women. …show more content…
Martin Marietta Corporation became to first sex discrimination case under Title VII to reach the Supreme Court of the United States. It was argued on December 9th, 1970 and decided on January 25th, 1971. The Supreme Court held that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 required that all who have similar qualifications, man or woman, should be given equal employment opportunities. Also, it was held that since there was not enough evidence to support the plaintiff, Ida Phillips’, claim about gender discrimination against women with children in the corporation, it was ruled that this accusation was inappropriate in this