Chapter 11 Civil Rights Section 3 Civil Rights

Chapter 11: Civil Rights Section 3: Civil Rights Laws (pgs. 334 -340)

The Civil Rights Movement • This was a mass movement in the 1950 s and the 1960 s to guarantee the Civil Rights of African Americans. • These protesters used Civil Disobedience to get rid of the Jim Crow Laws. • The 1 st key event in this movement was when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in Montgomery, Alabama. • MLK Jr. was brought in to lead this Bus Boycott. • In 1963, he gave his “I have a dream” speech in front of 200, 000 people in D. C. • The 1965, march from Selma to Montgomery brought about Bloody Sunday and led to the passage of new federal civil rights laws.

New Federal Laws • In response to the civil rights movement, Congress passed a series of federal laws to try to protect all Americans. • The Civil Rights Act of 1957 this set-up a Commission to investigate civil rights violations and also had the Justice Department enforce civil rights laws. • The Civil Rights Act of 1960 gave the federal government the power to inspect local voter registration rolls and penalize anyone who obstructs a person’s right to vote.

More New Federal Laws • 24 th Amendment- Banned the use of poll taxes in federal elections. • Civil Rights Act of 1964 Banned discrimination based on race, color national origin, or sex in voting, employment, and public accommodations. • Voting Rights Act of 1965 banned unfair tests in voting, such as literacy tests and allowed federal agents to help register blacks. • Civil Rights Act of 1968 banned discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing.

Extending Civil Rights- Women • The African Americans progress inspired other groups who were also victims of discrimination. • The Equal Pay Act of 1963 required employers to offer equal pay to women and men. • The Civil Rights Acts of 1964 & 1968 both helps women as well as minorities. • The Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1975 - prohibited banks, stores, & other businesses from discriminating against women in loans & granting credit. • The courts have also helped women expand their rights. • The Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade in 1973 on abortion & in 1986 they ruled against sexual harassment.

Extending Civil Rights- Hispanics • In 1946, the federal court ruled that the state’s segregation of Hispanic students was illegal. • In 1954, the federal court ruled that the equal protection clause applied not only to blacks but also Hispanics & other racial groups. • In 1975 the Voting Rights Act was expanded to require that ballots be printed in Spanish and other languages in different communities. • Cesar Chavez helped to extend civil rights for Hispanics through Civil Disobedience-marches and hunger strikes.

Extending Civil Rights- Native Americans Indians • The American Indian Movement (AIM) used aggressive and symbolic protests to call attention to their inferior status. • In 1972, AIM took over the Bureau of Indian Affairs building in D. C. , & demanded a review of all treaty violations, more education &economic help. • Congress passed the Indian Self. Determination and Education Assistance Act in 1975. • In 1978, Congress passed the American Indian Religious Freedom act, which stated that they had the same religious freedom that other Americans had.

Extending Civil Rights. People with Disabilities • In 1990, Congress passed the American with Disabilities Act. • This prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities & also required public buildings and transportation facilities. • Now public buildings have ramps & elevators. • In 2003, a federal case led to improved conditions for patients in state run psychiatric facilities.

Affirmative Action • Today, discrimination is illegal…But is that enough? • Women and minorities are still underrepresented in many jobs. • Affirmative Action—is a policy that requires employers and institutions to provide opportunities for members of certain historically underrepresented groups. • Supporters believe government should actively promote equality for members of racial and ethic groups and women. • Opponents argue that such efforts lead to special privileges for minorities and it is unfair to whites or reverse discrimination.

Affirmative Action Cases • In a 1978 case the Supreme court ruled race can be used as one factor in college admissions, but quota systems are unconstitutional. • In the 1987 case the Court ruled consideration of sex as a factor in promotions is acceptable. • In the 1995 case the Court ruled that Affirmative Action must be targeted at specific problems of past discrimination. • In the 2003 case the Court reaffirmed that race can be used as one factor in admissions, but overturned a system that awarded points to minorities. • CA, WA, and MI all voted on Affirmative Action and they banned it accepted in cases dealing with the Federal Government.