Prompt Topic: Civil Rights
• Identify two of the U.S. laws and policies that protect civil rights in the U.S.
• Choose TWO civil rights issues addressed in the class to go into deeper:
o For each of the two civil rights issues, provide a real-world example to show how people have fought for those rights in America and the response of American government and policy.
o Explain why you chose to focus on each of the two civil rights issues.
o Be sure to provide enough details to show that you understand what these two civil rights are about and what their importance is in the real world.
Two U.S. laws and policies that protect civil rights in the U.S. are the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It addressed various civil rights issues, such as segregation in public places, employment discrimination, and unequal voter registration practices. This act paved the way for equal opportunities and protection under the law for all citizens.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is another crucial piece of legislation that protects civil rights by prohibiting racial discrimination in voting. It aimed to overcome barriers such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other practices that disproportionately targeted minority communities. The act has been instrumental in ensuring equal access to the ballot box for all eligible Americans.
One civil rights issue addressed in the class is the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. LGBTQ+ individuals have long faced discrimination and marginalization in society. However, people have actively fought for their rights in America, leading to significant progress. A real-world example of this fight is the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015. In this case, same-sex couples fought for the right to marry, asserting that denying them this right was a violation of their civil rights. The American government ultimately responded in favor of LGBTQ+ rights, with the Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples have the fundamental right to marry in all 50 states.
I chose to focus on LGBTQ+ rights because it is a significant civil rights issue of our time. It highlights the struggle for equal treatment and acceptance, as well as the fight against discrimination and prejudice. By acknowledging and addressing the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community, society becomes more inclusive and fair for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Another civil rights issue addressed in the class is the fight for racial equality. Racial discrimination has been a pervasive issue throughout American history, and people have fought tirelessly for equal rights and opportunities. A real-world example of this fight is the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, led by influential figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. This movement sparked massive protests, boycotts, and marches demanding an end to racial segregation and systemic racism. The American government responded with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which are both significant milestones in the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.
I chose to focus on the fight for racial equality because it is a fundamental civil rights issue that has shaped American history and society. Racial discrimination continues to persist, and it is essential to understand the historical context and ongoing efforts to address this issue. By examining the fight for racial equality, we can better appreciate the progress made and the work that still needs to be done to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of their race or ethnicity.