Ellen Pao, a Princeton graduate with business and law degrees from Harvard, formally charged the Silicon Valley venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins on the grounds of gender discrimination. Pao, who claims she was sexually harassed after she ended a relationship with a coworker, argued that the firm created conditions where females were forced not to complain (Dillion, 2015; Streitfeld, 2015). According to Pao, after the breakup, she was not invited to important reunions, email groups, and company dinners since women “kill the buzz” on those festive occasions (Dillion, 2015).

Pao also asserted that the corporation did not promote her due to her gender. In addition, Pao’s performance reviews criticized her for having

“sharp elbows.” Comments related to Pao’s male coworkers were also negative, but those male colleagues were promoted nonetheless. Pao’s attorney contended that the firm was discriminating against women, punishing them for being ambitious instead of rightfully promoting them (Lowrey, 2015).

Pao, who was fired in 2012, says that she was terminated due to her discrimination complaints. However, the firm claims that it was due to her poor performance. The firm hired Pao in 2005 as chief of staff for a senior partner (Dillion, 2015). In her lawsuit, Pao asked for unspecified damages.

However, a lawyer from the firm stated that Pao requested $16 million for back pay and future wages lost (Dillion, 2015).

Felicia Medina, a managing partner for Sanford Heisler Kimpel who is knowledgeable regarding gender discrimination lawsuits, stated: “I don’t think they got away with anything . . . Ellen Pao had her day—many days—

in court, and the whole world knows now what goes on in that place. They are going to have to do a lot to mend that reputation. This topic is not going to go away. It’s now at the forefront of public discourse” (Cole, 2015).

The jury made its decision in favor of Kleiner Perkins, arguing that there was no gender discrimination against Pao. However, one member of the jury, Marshalette Ramsey, said she believes Pao experienced discrimination at Kleiner Perkins. She explained that male junior partners at the firm “had those same character flaws that Ellen was cited with” but those men were promoted nevertheless (Streitfeld, 2015).

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you feel this case deals with sex discrimination? How likely do you think it is that Pao was a poor performer on the job?

2. What should be done in order to improve conditions for women in the workplace? Please explain.