This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
Background and question before the Court
According to Petitioner (Eric Schnapper), according to Petitioner (Eric Schnapper), crawford reported to city officials that she had been repeatedly harassed by the board’s director of employee relations.
Following an internal sexual‑harassment investigation, Crawford was terminated six months after the investigation’s findings.
What each side argues
Petitioner
According to Petitioner (Eric Schnapper), according to Petitioner (Eric Schnapper), petitioner argues that Crawford’s conduct is protected by the opposition clause of Title VII § 704(a).
Respondent
Respondent, through Ms. Blatt, contends that the participation clause provides broader coverage and would protect anyone who participates in the investigation.
Respondent, through Mr. Young, argues that an employer’s internal sexual‑harassment investigation is not an investigation under Title VII.
What happened at oral argument
Chief Justice Roberts asked how the facts would constitute unlawful activity and noted the he‑said/she‑said nature of the case.
Justice Stevens asked whether the conduct is also covered by the participation clause.
According to Justice Alito, justice Alito inquired whether the law requires a particular type of testimony for retaliation protection.
Chief Justice Roberts asked what more Crawford could do to make her opposition clear.
According to Justice Stevens, justice Stevens questioned whether the statement “get the hell out of my office” would count as opposition under the petitioner’s definition.
Justice Alito asked why the case would not fall within the participation clause.
- [1] 35873ee3ce975bd08fb3-r1-a5b5e97411bbcefd.pdf, p. 20
- [2] 35873ee3ce975bd08fb3-r1-a5b5e97411bbcefd.pdf, p. 23
- [3] 35873ee3ce975bd08fb3-r1-a5b5e97411bbcefd.pdf, p. 24
- [4] 35873ee3ce975bd08fb3-r1-a5b5e97411bbcefd.pdf, p. 28
- [5] 35873ee3ce975bd08fb3-r1-a5b5e97411bbcefd.pdf, p. 36
- [6] 35873ee3ce975bd08fb3-r1-a5b5e97411bbcefd.pdf, p. 41
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 35873ee3ce975bd08fb3-r1-a5b5e97411bbcefd.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 22, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.