Chapter 43: Discrimination Part III May 16, 2007

Bellringer Have you, or anyone you know, been denied the freedom to vote in an election? Have you, or anyone you know, been denied the freedom to vote in an election?

Introduction Discrimination affects many aspects of the lives of people. Whether you are talking about race, sex, nationality or sexual orientation, there are many different ways that people discriminate against others. Discrimination affects many aspects of the lives of people. Whether you are talking about race, sex, nationality or sexual orientation, there are many different ways that people discriminate against others.

Discrimination in voting rights The 15th Amendment to the Constitution provided the right to vote to nonwhite, male citizens. It states that “the right of citizens of the United States to vote (shall not be) denied or abridged by any State on account of race, color, or pervious condition of servitude”. The 15th Amendment to the Constitution provided the right to vote to nonwhite, male citizens. It states that “the right of citizens of the United States to vote (shall not be) denied or abridged by any State on account of race, color, or pervious condition of servitude”. However, obstacles to full voting rights continue well into this century through poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation of African Americans who want to exercise their voting rights. However, obstacles to full voting rights continue well into this century through poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation of African Americans who want to exercise their voting rights.

Discrimination in voting rights Women did not win the right to vote until 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment Women did not win the right to vote until 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment Gerrymandering: The redrawing of a voting district to ensure that a particular group of people is included in the same district. Usually oddly shaped and sometimes called “majority-minority districts”. Gerrymandering: The redrawing of a voting district to ensure that a particular group of people is included in the same district. Usually oddly shaped and sometimes called “majority-minority districts”.

Discrimination based on National Origin and Citizenship Status When we think about the civil rights struggle, we mostly remember cases in which African Americans brought lawsuits to end discriminatory practices. When we think about the civil rights struggle, we mostly remember cases in which African Americans brought lawsuits to end discriminatory practices. During the 20th Century, the NAACP developed careful strategies to bring important cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. During the 20th Century, the NAACP developed careful strategies to bring important cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Discrimination based on National Origin and Citizenship Status Also during this time, groups representing Latino and Asian plaintiffs brought cases to court as well. Also during this time, groups representing Latino and Asian plaintiffs brought cases to court as well. Courts have not favored government laws and policies that discriminate based on national origin and citizenship status. Courts have not favored government laws and policies that discriminate based on national origin and citizenship status.

Discrimination Based on Gender Women have struggled for equality for many years. Women have struggled for equality for many years. The 19th Amendment in 1920 gave women full voting rights. The 19th Amendment in 1920 gave women full voting rights. Women still suffer from being paid less than men for doing the same job (glass ceiling) Women still suffer from being paid less than men for doing the same job (glass ceiling) Women also suffer from more cases of sexual harassment in the workplace Women also suffer from more cases of sexual harassment in the workplace

Discrimination Based on Age Age discrimination is against the law. You cannot be fired from your job because your boss wants to bring in someone younger. Age discrimination is against the law. You cannot be fired from your job because your boss wants to bring in someone younger. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects workers aged 40 or older and forbids hiring, firing, paying, promoting and other aspects of employment. Applies to companies of 20 or more. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects workers aged 40 or older and forbids hiring, firing, paying, promoting and other aspects of employment. Applies to companies of 20 or more. Age can be a factor in certain job qualifications (working in a bar, military, airlines, etc). Age can be a factor in certain job qualifications (working in a bar, military, airlines, etc).