Expanded Opportunities: Protected Groups

Until fairly recently, the vast majority of U.S. college and university students were white
men. At key points in the last 150 years, enrollment changed to include more women
and people of color. However, even with greater overall participation in higher
education, women and African-Americans had limited opportunities until the 1950s and
1960s. Members of other racial and ethnic groups also have experienced quotas or
other limits on their full participation in higher education. In many cases, being married,
being a parent, or having a particular political affiliation was a cause for discrimination.
As a result of several landmark events, many groups became "protected classes" and
have been provided with greater opportunities through the force of law. Many states
have passed additional laws, and individual colleges and universities have enacted
policies prohibiting discrimination in other areas, including sexual orientation, gender
identity, and even genetic information.
As defined by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (n.d.), protected
classes in federal law are:
The groups protected from the [ sic ] employment discrimination by law. These groups
include men and women on the basis of sex; any group which shares a common race,
religion, color, or national origin; people over 40; and people with physical or mental
[disabilities]. Every U.S. citizen is a member of some protected class, and is entitled to
the benefits of EEO [Equal Employment Opportunity] law. However, the EEO laws were
passed to correct a history of unfavorable treatment of women and minority group
members.
Complete the following for this discussion:
● Choose a federally protected class or another group that has experienced
discrimination in higher education to write about for your initial post, and find
at least two scholarly articles related to that group's evolving access to
opportunity. Begin your search by accessing the ED5570: Higher Education in
the United States Library Guide (linked in Resources).
● Based on your reading this week and in the articles that you find, identify the
most important landmark events that provided opportunities for this group,
such as the passage of federal law, a court decision, or a destiny-changing
occurrence within a political or social movement.
● Describe the event or events you believe had the greatest bearing on
enabling this group to access higher education in the United States. Analyze
the nature of the event involved and address the following:
○ Which of these events would you say primarily resulted from social
changes? Why?
○ Which events would you say were primarily economically oriented?
Why?
○ Which events would you describe as politically based? Why?

Full Answer Section

  In recent years, there has been some progress in addressing discrimination against women. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in wages and employment. The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 provides funding for programs to combat violence against women. And the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 makes it easier for women to sue for pay discrimination. However, discrimination against women still exists. Women continue to earn less than men for doing the same work. They are also more likely to be victims of violence and harassment. There are a number of reasons why women continue to experience discrimination. One reason is that gender stereotypes persist. These stereotypes can lead to women being seen as less competent than men, and they can also lead to women being excluded from certain opportunities. Another reason for discrimination against women is that power structures are often male-dominated. This means that men are more likely to be in positions of power, and they are more likely to make decisions that affect women. What can be done to address discrimination against women? There are a number of things that can be done to address discrimination against women. One is to continue to enforce existing laws. Another is to educate people about gender stereotypes and the ways in which they can lead to discrimination. And it is also important to promote more gender equality in power structures. Conclusion Discrimination against women is a serious problem that has persisted for centuries. However, there has been some progress in recent years. By continuing to enforce existing laws, educating people about gender stereotypes, and promoting more gender equality in power structures, we can help to create a more just and equitable society for all women. In addition to the federal laws mentioned above, there are also a number of state and local laws that prohibit discrimination against women. These laws can provide additional protections for women and help to ensure that they have equal opportunities. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your sex, you should contact an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Sample Answer

  Women have been discriminated against in the United States for centuries. They have been denied the right to vote, to own property, and to work in certain professions. They have also been subjected to violence and harassment.