2017 Civil Rights Project

What are civil rights? The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality. Privileges and rights guaranteed by the US Government The rights each person has in a society regardless of their race, sex, religion. Throughout history, groups of people (race, sex, religion, etc.) have not had equal rights as everyone else. They could not do freely what others could – and were treated differently. These groups organized and fought for equality in their country. Every groups story is different – some achieved more than others and some still struggle today.

Lets break down some of these terms What are some examples of political freedoms? What are some examples of social freedoms?

Political Freedoms The right to vote The right to marriage (under the law) The right to be part of a political party and government The right to equal protection in government buildings – like schools.

Social Freedoms Free to date whomever you want Freedom to go wherever you want – restaurants, movie theaters, public places Freedom to express yourself and points of view in society.

Can you think of any groups whose civil rights have been denied in the past?

The goal of this project is to allow you to choose the civil rights issue (group) and investigate the history of the group’s struggle and connect it to present day.

The textbook focuses only on the history of civil rights from the 1950s-1970s. Important things happened in that time period for many groups, but I want you to follow the group and see how their struggle for equality continues today – what gains have been made – what continues?

Goal for Today! Pick a topic you are passionate about and want to learn more about. You are getting choice as a student of what you will learn about in the next 4 weeks. Take advantage of it and make it as meaningful to you as possible.

Project Outline 50 assessment points – final day April 6 PowerPoint Presentation to the class Performance Skit (scripts, props, etc) Living Museum (artifacts, poster, etc) – open to other classes and grade levels. Observation of Presentation – Log – based on notes you take while others perform.

Topics Women’s Rights Latino Rights Native American Rights (Arizona) African Americans – MLK (non-violent approach) African Americans – Malcolm X (Black Power) Civil Rights Laws (Voting Rights Act, Supreme Court role) – covers multiple groups Presidents– Truman to Trump (Their roles – support opposition to civil rights. Covers multiple groups.

Women’s Rights Voting (brief mention) Equal Pay Equal Rights Amendment (did not pass) – why? Reproductive Rights Maternity Leave Harassment laws Feminists (historical and now) Women’s March – NOW (organization)

Latino Rights Labor Laws Cesar Chavez Dolores Huerta Immigration (history and now) SB 1070 in AZ – did not pass ELL – equal education

Native American Rights (Arizona) American Indian Movement Reservations Indian Self-Determination Act National Congress of American Indians What struggles continue today? Education / achievement gap, etc.

African Americans MLK or Malcolm X (they had different approaches – and gave many speeches) – focus on one. Other leaders Jim Crow laws in the south Non-violent movement Segregation in schools Voting rights act – civil rights act (1960s) Race relations in cities Policing and Black Lives Matter Incarceration rates

Laws and Supreme Court Cases Focus on specific laws and cases from the 1950s- Present that provided equal protection under the law for the groups we discussed, or even some we have not discussed. Gay rights, Trans rights, Muslim right. Things do not change unless there are laws, that are upheld by the SCOTUS. Good for future lawyers.

Presidents – Truman to Trump What roles have presidents played in either pushing for equal rights and in some cases holding them back. Look at all the presidents within that time period. You will look for campaign promises and actual legislation (laws) that they signed.

Topic Proposal Write a half-page project proposal on a separate sheet of lined paper (NAME!) – Due at the end of class. Explain why chose a particular topic – and what aspects specifically you want to learn more about. Take a few minutes to think about the topics, and even research some right now to see if that is what you really want to do. Use your phone, laptop, textbook, to get more information on a topic, if needed. Be specific in your proposal – it is for a grade. I need details about what you want to learn about. What you already know, etc.