Congress passes law banning non-disclosure agreements in sexual harassment cases
PBS NewsHour・2 minutes read
Legislation passed by the House will limit enforcement of NDAs in sexual harassment cases, impacting one-third of American workers to speak out about abuse, empowering individuals to share experiences and address systemic issues. The Speak Out Act doesn't affect settlement NDAs but allows workers to speak out before legal action, showing progress in addressing workplace harassment with evolving federal and state laws eliminating NDAs for toxic workplace issues.
Insights
- The Speak Out Act, soon to reach President Biden's desk, will allow one-third of American workers under NDAs to share their experiences of sexual harassment, aiming to address systemic issues highlighted by the MeToo movement.
- While the Act won't affect post-dispute NDAs like those at FOX News, it will impact pre-employment NDAs such as Governor Phil Murphy's, offering millions of workers the opportunity to speak out about harassment or abuse without fear of legal repercussions.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
What is the Speak Out Act?
The Speak Out Act is a legislation that limits the enforcement of nondisclosure agreements in sexual harassment disputes, allowing workers to speak out about harassment or abuse.
How will the Speak Out Act impact American workers?
The Speak Out Act will impact roughly one-third of American workers who are bound by NDAs, enabling them to share their experiences of sexual harassment or abuse and address systemic issues.
Which NDAs will be affected by the Speak Out Act?
NDAs signed at the start of employment, like those with Governor Phil Murphy, will be impacted by the Speak Out Act, while NDAs signed post-dispute, such as those at FOX News, will not be affected.
Does the Speak Out Act change settlement NDAs?
The Speak Out Act does not change settlement NDAs, but it empowers individuals to speak out about harassment or assault before resorting to legal action.
What progress has been made in addressing workplace harassment?
Progress in addressing workplace harassment is evident with federal and state laws evolving, such as New Jersey and Washington eliminating NDAs for toxic workplace issues, reflecting a shift towards empowering individuals to speak out.
Related videos
BBC News
Harvey Weinstein: Ex-assistant Speaks Out on ‘How Hollywood kept Harvey's secret’ - BBC News
FRONTLINE PBS | Official
As Court Overturns Weinstein's NY Conviction, Revisit Other Accusers' Accounts (full documentary)
ONE Media Coverage
SHE SAID Trailer (2022) Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan
Sky News
Exclusive: Video shows Harvey Weinstein behaving inappropriately
TEDx Talks
Unmasking the abuser | Dina McMillan | TEDxCanberra
Summary
00:00
"Speak Out Act empowers workers against harassment"
- Legislation limiting enforcement of nondisclosure agreements in sexual harassment disputes is heading to President Biden's desk after bipartisan House approval.
- The Speak Out Act will impact roughly one-third of American workers bound by NDAs, allowing them to speak out about sexual harassment or abuse.
- The Act will enable millions of workers to share their experiences and those they've witnessed, addressing systemic issues from the MeToo movement.
- NDAs signed post-dispute, like those at FOX News, won't be affected, but those signed at the start of employment, like with Governor Phil Murphy, will be impacted.
- The Act doesn't change settlement NDAs but empowers individuals to speak out about harassment or assault before resorting to legal action.
- Progress in addressing workplace harassment is evident, with federal and state laws evolving, like New Jersey and Washington eliminating NDAs for toxic workplace issues.
