CIVIL RIGHTS FAQ
ANSWERS TO YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS RELATED QUESTIONS!
Civil rights form the bedrock of a just and equitable society, yet understanding and asserting these rights can be a complex endeavor. This page is dedicated to helping you get answers to all of your civil rights questions!
CIVIL RIGHTS FAQ
ANSWERS TO YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS RELATED QUESTIONS!
Civil rights form the bedrock of a just and equitable society, yet understanding and asserting these rights can be a complex endeavor. This page is dedicated to helping you get answers to all of your civil rights questions!
FIRST STEP GUIDE
TAKE THESE STEPS RIGHT AFTER BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST!
This guide is designed to offer comprehensive information, addressing inquiries related to instances of discrimination and providing insights to help you understand your rights, potential courses of action, and avenues for seeking redress in cases of unfair treatment.
FIRST STEP GUIDE
TAKE THESE STEPS RIGHT AFTER BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST!
This guide is designed to offer comprehensive information, addressing inquiries related to instances of discrimination and providing insights to help you understand your rights, potential courses of action, and avenues for seeking redress in cases of unfair treatment.
STEP ONE
DOCUMENT THE INCIDENT
Gather evidence by documenting the details of the discriminatory incident, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and any witnesses.
STEP TWO
RESEARCH YOUR RIGHTS
Educate yourself about the specific civil rights laws that protect against discrimination in the relevant context, whether it’s employment, housing, public accommodations, or another area.
STEP THREE
CONTACT YOUR ATTORNEY
Reach out to your civil rights attorney to discuss the incident and receive guidance on the best course of action, such as filing a complaint, seeking mediation, or pursuing legal remedies.
STEP FOUR
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
Based on your attorney’s advice, take the appropriate steps to address the discrimination, which may involve filing a formal complaint with relevant authorities, pursuing legal action, or exploring alternative dispute resolution methods.
CIVIL RIGHTS FAQ
Find answers to all your questions related to Civil Rights cases. If you don’t see your question below, use the form to the right to ask a question and one of our Attorneys will get back to you shortly!
ASK A QUESTION
What are civil rights?
Civil rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that protect individuals from discrimination and unfair treatment by government institutions and private entities.
What laws protect civil rights?
Laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Fair Housing Act provide legal protection for civil rights in the United States.
Can I sue for discrimination at my workplace?
Yes, if you have experienced workplace discrimination based on a protected characteristic like race, gender, or religion, you may have grounds to file a discrimination lawsuit.
Can I sue a police officer for violating my civil rights?
Yes, if a police officer violates your constitutional rights through excessive force, false arrest, or other misconduct, you can potentially file a lawsuit.
What is racial profiling?
Racial profiling is when law enforcement targets individuals based on their race or ethnicity rather than on evidence of criminal behavior.
Can I sue for discrimination in housing?
Yes, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on factors like race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status.
Can my employer fire me for joining a civil rights protest?
It depends on your state’s laws and your employment agreement. Some states have protections against firing employees for engaging in lawful activities outside of work.
What is the difference between civil rights and civil liberties?
Civil rights pertain to the equal treatment and protection under the law, while civil liberties relate to personal freedoms and rights that the government cannot infringe upon.
Can schools discriminate against LGBTQ+ students?
No, Title IX prohibits educational institutions that receive federal funding from discriminating against students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
What is the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)?
The ADEA is a federal law that prohibits age-based employment discrimination against individuals who are 40 years of age or older.
Can I sue a private business for discrimination?
Yes, if the business is engaged in discriminatory practices that violate federal or state laws, you may have legal grounds to sue.
What is a class-action lawsuit?
A class-action lawsuit is when a group of individuals with similar legal claims collectively sues a defendant, often used in cases of widespread civil rights violations.
Can I record interactions with the police?
Laws regarding recording police interactions vary by state, but generally, you have the right to record as long as you’re not interfering with their duties.
Can I refuse a police search of my property?
In most cases, you can refuse a police search unless they have a valid search warrant or probable cause.
What are "Miranda rights"?
Miranda rights are the warnings police officers must provide when arresting someone, informing them of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney present.
Can I be arrested for freedom of speech?
While freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment, there are limitations, such as speech that incites violence or poses a threat to public safety.
What is workplace sexual harassment?
Workplace sexual harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal/physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment.
Can I be fired for being pregnant?
No, it is illegal to fire someone solely because they are pregnant under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.
Can I sue a school for disability discrimination?
Yes, if a school fails to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, they could be in violation of federal laws like the ADA and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
What is a "no-knock" warrant?
A “no-knock” warrant allows law enforcement to enter a property without prior announcement, typically used in cases where evidence might be destroyed if they wait.
Can I sue for racial discrimination by law enforcement?
Yes, if you’ve experienced racial discrimination by law enforcement officers, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit under the Civil Rights Act or other applicable laws.
Can I be discriminated against for my religious beliefs?
No, discrimination based on religion is prohibited by federal law, and employers must make reasonable accommodations for employees’ religious practices.
What is the Equal Protection Clause?
The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees that all individuals are treated equally under the law by state governments.
Can I sue my employer for a hostile work environment?
If you’re subjected to harassment or discrimination that creates a hostile work environment, you may have legal grounds to sue your employer.
Can I sue the government for violating my civil rights?
Yes, you can sue the government if its actions violate your constitutional rights, but government immunity might limit the circumstances in which you can do so.
What is the "right to privacy"?
The “right to privacy” is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but is often inferred from various amendments. It protects individuals from unwarranted intrusion into their personal lives.
Can I sue if I'm denied public accommodations due to my disability?
Yes, the ADA prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on disabilities and ensures equal access to services and facilities.
What is the Whistleblower Protection Act?
The Whistleblower Protection Act shields federal employees from retaliation for reporting violations of laws, regulations, and other misconduct.
Can I sue if I'm denied a job due to my gender?
Yes, if you’re denied a job solely based on your gender, you might have a valid claim under anti-discrimination laws.
What is "disparate impact" discrimination?
Disparate impact discrimination occurs when a policy or practice that seems neutral disproportionately affects a protected group, leading to unintentional discrimination.
Can I be fired for being LGBTQ+?
No, the Supreme Court ruled that under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, LGBTQ+ individuals are protected from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Can I sue if I'm denied housing due to my race?
Yes, if you’re denied housing due to your race, you may have a valid claim under the Fair Housing Act.
What are "affirmative action" programs?
Affirmative action programs are policies designed to address historical disadvantages faced by marginalized groups, often in education and employment. In 2023, the Supreme Court ended affirmative action in college admissions.
Can I be fired for being a whistleblower?
The answer depends on your specific situation and the laws in your jurisdiction. Whistleblower protection laws vary, but many protect employees from retaliation.
What is the "Fourth Amendment"?
The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government and requires search warrants to be based on probable cause.
Can I sue if I'm denied service based on my sexual orientation?
Yes, if you’re denied service based on your sexual orientation or gender identity, you may have grounds to file a discrimination lawsuit.
What is the "Fifth Amendment"?
The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination and ensures due process in legal proceedings.
Can I be fired for participating in a political protest?
It depends on your employment agreement and local laws. Some states have laws protecting employees’ rights to engage in political activities.
Can I sue if I'm denied a job due to my disability?
Yes, if you’re denied a job solely due to your disability and you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodations, you may have a valid claim.
What is "disability discrimination"?
Disability discrimination involves treating individuals with disabilities unfairly or denying them access to opportunities due to their disabilities.
Can I sue a school for racial discrimination?
Yes, if a school discriminates against students based on their race, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit under federal civil rights laws.
What is the "Eighth Amendment"?
The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail or fines in criminal cases.
Can I be fired for my political beliefs?
In most cases, private employers can fire employees for their political beliefs, but there may be exceptions depending on state laws and employment contracts.
What is "voting rights discrimination"?
Voting rights discrimination involves practices that make it harder for certain groups to vote, often through gerrymandering, voter ID laws, or other barriers.
Can I sue a business for gender-based price discrimination?
Yes, if a business charges different prices based on gender for the same product or service, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit.
What is the "Ninth Amendment"?
The Ninth Amendment states that the rights not specifically listed in the Constitution are still protected and belong to the people.
Can I be discriminated against for being a parent?
Yes, discrimination against parents, especially mothers, can occur in the workplace, and such actions may be in violation of the law.
Can I sue for discrimination if I have a criminal record?
If you’re denied opportunities due to your criminal record and the discrimination is unrelated to the job or housing, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit.
What is the "Tenth Amendment"?
The Tenth Amendment establishes that powers not granted to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states or the people.
Can I sue a landlord for disability discrimination?
Yes, if a landlord fails to make reasonable accommodations for your disability or denies you housing based on your disability, you may have a valid claim.
What is "marital status discrimination"?
Marital status discrimination involves treating individuals unfairly based on their marital status, whether they’re single, married, divorced, or widowed.
Can I be discriminated against for my national origin?
No, it is illegal to discriminate against individuals based on their national origin under federal law.
Can I sue if I'm a victim of police brutality?
Yes, if you’re a victim of excessive force or police brutality, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the officers or the police department.
What is "gender identity discrimination"?
Gender identity discrimination occurs when individuals are treated unfairly due to their gender identity, including transgender and non-binary individuals.
Can I sue for religious discrimination in education?
Yes, if a school discriminates against students based on their religious beliefs, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit.
What is "voting disenfranchisement"?
Voting disenfranchisement involves practices that prevent certain groups from voting, often through voter suppression tactics.
Can I be denied service due to my disability?
No, the ADA prohibits businesses from denying services to individuals with disabilities solely due to their disabilities.
Can I sue for police misconduct that led to a wrongful conviction?
Yes, if police misconduct or violations of your civil rights played a role in your wrongful conviction, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
What is "racial harassment" in the workplace?
Racial harassment involves offensive behavior or actions targeting an employee’s race, creating a hostile work environment.
Can I be denied housing based on my immigration status?
A person’s immigration status does not affect his or her federal fair housing rights or responsibilities.
Can I sue for discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS?
Yes, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws protect individuals with HIV/AIDS from discrimination in various contexts, including employment and housing.
What is "gender expression discrimination"?
Gender expression discrimination involves treating individuals unfairly based on how they express their gender, including clothing, appearance, and behavior.
Can I be denied service based on my veteran status?
No, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects veterans from discrimination in employment and other areas.
Can I sue if I face retaliation for reporting discrimination?
Yes, if you experience retaliation after reporting discrimination, you may have legal grounds to sue your employer.
What is "racial profiling" by law enforcement?
Racial profiling involves law enforcement targeting individuals based on their race or ethnicity rather than on evidence of criminal behavior.
Can I be denied housing due to my criminal record?
Landlords may consider criminal records but must still comply with fair housing laws, which include guidelines on considering criminal history.
Can I sue for gender discrimination in education?
Yes, if a school discriminates against students based on their gender, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit under federal laws like Title IX.
What is "retaliation" in the context of civil rights?
Retaliation involves negative actions taken against an individual who exercises their civil rights, such as reporting discrimination or participating in protests.
Can I be denied service based on my age?
Age-based discrimination is prohibited in various contexts, including public accommodations and employment.
Can I sue if my employer pays me less due to my gender?
Yes, if you’re paid less than your counterparts of a different gender for the same work, you may have grounds to file a gender-based pay discrimination lawsuit.
What is "color discrimination" in civil rights?
Color discrimination involves treating individuals unfairly based on their skin color, often associated with racial discrimination.
Can I be denied housing because I receive government assistance?
In some cases, landlords cannot deny housing solely because a tenant receives government assistance, unless certain exemptions apply.
Can I sue if I'm denied a promotion due to my disability?
Yes, if you’re denied a promotion solely due to your disability and you can perform the job with reasonable accommodations, you may have a valid claim.
What is "national origin harassment" in the workplace?
National origin harassment involves offensive behavior targeting an employee’s national origin, creating a hostile work environment.
Can I be denied service based on my weight or size?
While no federal law explicitly protects against weight-based discrimination, some states and localities have anti-discrimination laws that cover this issue.
Can I sue if I'm discriminated against based on my accent?
Yes, if you’re treated unfairly due to your accent and it’s not related to your ability to perform your job, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit.
What is "genetic information discrimination"?
Genetic information discrimination involves treating individuals unfairly based on their genetic information or predisposition to certain conditions.
Can I be denied medical treatment due to my gender identity?
No, the Affordable Care Act prohibits discrimination in medical treatment based on gender identity.
Can I sue if I'm denied medical treatment due to my disability?
Yes, if you’re denied medical treatment due to your disability and it’s unrelated to your medical condition, you may have grounds for a discrimination lawsuit.
What is "voter suppression"?
Voter suppression refers to efforts to discourage or prevent certain groups from voting, often through tactics such as strict ID requirements or limiting polling locations.
Can I be denied a job for having a criminal record?
Employers can consider criminal records in hiring decisions, but they must comply with laws that prevent unfair discrimination against individuals with criminal histories.
Can I sue if I face discrimination for breastfeeding at work?
Yes, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for breastfeeding mothers, and discrimination in this context may lead to legal action.
What is "religious accommodation" in the workplace?
Religious accommodation involves employers making reasonable adjustments to work policies or practices to accommodate employees’ religious beliefs.
Can I be denied housing based on my sexual orientation?
Many states and localities have laws that prohibit housing discrimination based on sexual orientation, offering protection in this context.
Can I sue if I'm denied service based on my clothing or appearance?
In some cases, you may have grounds to sue if you’re denied service based on clothing or appearance that’s protected under anti-discrimination laws.
What is "intersectional discrimination"?
Intersectional discrimination recognizes that individuals can experience discrimination based on multiple aspects of their identity, such as race, gender, and disability.
Can I be denied a job due to my citizenship status?
Employers are generally not allowed to discriminate against job applicants based on their citizenship or immigration status.
Can I sue if I'm retaliated against for requesting accommodations?
Yes, if you request reasonable accommodations for a disability or religious belief and face retaliation, you may have legal grounds to sue.
What is "economic discrimination"?
Economic discrimination involves treating individuals unfairly based on their economic status or financial situation.
Can I be denied housing because I have children?
In most cases, it’s illegal to deny housing to families with children due to familial status discrimination.
Can I sue if I'm denied a job due to my military service?
Yes, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects individuals from discrimination based on their military service.
What is "gender-based violence"?
Gender-based violence includes acts of violence directed against individuals based on their gender, often targeting women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Can I be denied a job due to my accent?
Employers are generally not allowed to discriminate against individuals based on their accent unless the accent seriously impairs their ability to perform the job.
Can I sue if I'm discriminated against while in police custody?
Yes, if you experience discrimination while in police custody, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit.
What is "disability-based harassment" in the workplace?
Disability-based harassment involves offensive behavior or actions targeting an employee’s disability, creating a hostile work environment.
Can I be denied public services due to my sexual orientation?
No, public services cannot be denied based on sexual orientation due to protections provided by the Constitution and laws like the Civil Rights Act.
Can I sue if I'm retaliated against for asserting my civil rights?
Yes, if you face retaliation after asserting your civil rights, you may have legal grounds to sue for damages.
What is "age-based harassment" in the workplace?
Age-based harassment involves offensive behavior or actions targeting an employee’s age, creating a hostile work environment.
Can I be denied housing due to my criminal history?
In some cases, landlords may consider criminal history but must still adhere to fair housing laws and guidelines.
Can I sue if I experience discrimination in a public space?
Yes, if you experience discrimination in a public space, such as a restaurant or store, you may have grounds to file a complaint or lawsuit under anti-discrimination laws.