The 1960s marked a period of civil rights that were expanded in the 1970s.
The 1960s marked a period of civil rights that were expanded in the 1970s. However, in the late 1980s, these efforts seemed to take a different direction, with a more conservative Supreme Court.
Given the current composition of the Supreme Court:
Do you think civil rights continue to be reversed or expanded for certain groups? Support your claim with evidence from the scholarly or research literature.
Which groups may benefit from the current Supreme Court, and which groups may suffer? You may have to review current events to answer this part of the question.
Identify two different groups whose civil rights are suffering current infringement but may not be receiving public attention.
How does the NASW Policy Statement on Civil Liberties and Social Justice address these discrimination and equity issues?
Sample Answer
Civil Rights in the Contemporary Era: Reversals, Expansions, and Marginalized Groups
The civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s brought about significant transformations in American society, challenging long-standing racial, gender, and sexual orientation discrimination. However, the shifting tide of political and judicial ideologies has raised concerns about the continued protection and expansion of civil rights for various groups.
The Supreme Court’s Role in Civil Rights
The Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in interpreting and upholding the rights enshrined in the Constitution. Recent Supreme Court decisions have sparked debates about the trajectory of civil rights, with some viewing them as setbacks and others perceiving them as upholding traditional values.