Question J

[Jonetta]

Does Nolasco’s behavior characterize most law enforcement’s outlook toward women at that time? Was that kind of behavior limited to law enforcement or was it equally as common in other vocations?

[Sharon]

You know my thoughts on this topic Nolasco is a typical man of that era. It is the way it was, and sadly, there are still some around. Men didn't think there was anything wrong with making

Look at men in "women's professions" like nursing or teaching. Men will advance quicker, get paid more, and have more access to mentors.

[Jonetta]

Things began to change when sexual harassment laws were enacted. Those changes were slow and gradual, though. Larger companies began developing more policies following big lawsuit payouts and negative press. At my company, one week after we implemented our sexual harassment policy, our director of marketing was fired (deserved). The complaint was lodged four days prior! That got everybody’s attention and we saw some serious behavioral changes.

I mostly encountered beasts like Nolasco in the beginning of my career but more sporadically after the mid nineties. I also don’t believe it’s limited to just male dominated industries, though they tend to be the worst.

I fear, though, that our law enforcement and military communities have been much slower in making changes. Some of the women's experiences just make me want cry.

[~Melissa~]

Jonetta wrote: " I fear, though, that our law enforcement and military communities have been much slower in making changes. Some of the women's experiences just make me want cry."

This - yes - unfortunately - it is definitely the ole boys club and I believe will take longer to make changes. Every day and every step it will get better - just have to beleive but it sure is hard when we see so much bad stuff on the news.

[Sharon]

Jonetta wrote: "I fear, though, that our law enforcement and military communities have been much slower in making changes. Some of the women's experiences just make me want cry."

I agree any military or paramilitary career is tough on women breaking through. It makes me cry too.