| Race Discrimination Claims under § 1981 |
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| Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits racial discrimination in making and enforcing contracts. Section 1981 protects an individual from racial discrimination not only in making and enforcing contracts, but also in participating in lawsuits and in giving evidence. For example, § 1981 has been applied to enforce contracts of employment, including contractual relationships of at-will employment. In 1991, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1991. In so doing, Congress amended § 1981 by adding § 1981(b) to cover claims of racially discriminatory termination.
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| Proposed Employment Non-Discrimination Act |
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| Civil rights organizations, as well as many major corporations, have sought the passage of the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) since 1996. So far, these efforts have been unsuccessful. The legislators who have sponsored ENDA say they have done so because sexual orientation in the workplace is commonplace and unacceptable. The purpose of ENDA is to prohibit intentional sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace. ENDA would accomplish this goal by adding sexual orientation to the list of protected traits or characteristics that presently includes race, national origin, gender, religion, age, and disability.
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| Limited English Proficiency |
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| A person may have Limited English Proficiency, or "LEP," if he or she does not speak English as a primary language or has a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. The federal government has determined that these individuals may be entitled to interpreters, translators, or other "language assistance" needed to access or to participate in certain services or benefits, such as voting, education, and medical care.
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| Gay Men and Lesbians as Foster Parents |
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| Civil rights advocates say that sexual orientation discrimination occurs when a state refuses to place a foster child with a single man because he is gay or when a lesbian couple is not permitted to provide emergency foster care because of their sexual orientation. At least two states have laws or regulations prohibiting gay men or lesbians from serving as foster parents. Those opposed to such laws and policies cite reports indicating that children raised by lesbian or gay parents--either as single parents or as same sex partners--seem to receive the same level of care and concern as do children raised by heterosexual parents. Proponents of permitting gay men and lesbians to provide foster care also point to the critical shortage of foster care providers.
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| Racial Discrimination in Education |
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| The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal for federally funded schools to discriminate in programs or activities against students based on race, color, national origin, or religion. Federal regulations have been promulgated pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibit discriminatory actions by schools that receive federal funding. More... |
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