After a breakthrough year in Hollywood with women and men coming forward to share their stories of sexual misconduct in the industry, Anita Hill is leading the charge to combat the problem.
On Friday it was announced that Hill would be joining dozens of leading executives in entertainment, independent experts and advisers to form a commission dedicated to fighting gender inequality. The Commission on Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality in the Workplace was created “to prevent further civil and human rights abuses in the future,” as noted by founder and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy.
“I’m proud to be leading this newly-formed Commission on a long overdue journey to adopt best practices and to create institutional change that fosters a culture of respect and human dignity throughout the industry,” Hill said in a statement.
Currently a professor of Social Policy, Law, and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Brandeis University, Hill brought accusations of sexual harassment against Justice Clarence Thomas in 1991 during his Senate confirmation hearing. Her stance against intimidation and sexual misconduct in politics was groundbreaking.
“We will be focusing on issues ranging from power disparity, equity and fairness, safety, sexual harassment guidelines, education and training, reporting and enforcement, ongoing research, and data collection. It is time to end the culture of silence,” Hill said.