Timeline

By Lyn Bays

  • Dred V Sanford

    Dred Scott, a slave, sued for his freedom after living in free states. The Supreme Court ruled against him, saying Black people weren't U.S. citizens and couldn't sue, making tensions over slavery even worse.

  • 13 ammendment

    Passed after the Civil War, the 13th Amendment officially outlawed slavery and involuntary servitude throughout the United States, finally making freedom a right, not a privilege.

  • 14 ammendment

    The 14th Amendment, passed after the Civil War, made anyone born in the US a citizen and guaranteed them equal rights under the law. This helped end racial discrimination and gave former slaves a legal footing.

  • 15 ammendment

    After the Civil War, the 15th Amendment banned states from denying any man the right to vote based on race, skin color, or previous condition of servitude. This was a major step towards giving Black men the right to participate in democracy.

  • plessy v ferguson

    "Plessy v. Ferguson" was a Supreme Court case in 1896 that upheld segregation laws, allowing "separate but equal" facilities for Black and white Americans. This decision legalized racial segregation and discrimination until it was overturned by "Brown v. Board of Education" in 1954.

  • 19th ammendment

    The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote, finally letting them have a say in who runs the country. It was progressive in terms of gender equality, showing that everyone should have a voice in democracy.

  • Voter ID Laws

    Voter ID laws are regulations that require individuals to present specific forms of identification before being allowed to vote in elections. Proponents argue they prevent voter fraud, while critics say they can disenfranchise marginalized groups who may face barriers to obtaining such identification.

  • Brown v Board of Education

    In "Brown v. Board of Education," the Supreme Court decided in 1954 that segregating public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established in "Plessy v. Ferguson." This ruling helped pave the way for desegregation and the civil rights movement.

  • Affirmative Action

    Affirmative action is a policy aimed at promoting equal opportunities for historically marginalized groups, such as minorities and women, in areas like employment and education. It involves measures like preferential hiring, scholarships, and outreach programs to address past discrimination and increase diversity.

  • 24 ammendment

    It prohibits both the federal government and states from requiring a poll tax or any other kind of tax in order to vote in federal elections.

  • Civil acts of 1964

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on race in public spaces and jobs. This landmark law helped end segregation and move the U.S. closer to racial equality.

  • Voting acts of 1965

    After years of unfair voting practices aimed at Black Americans, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlawed discriminatory tests and literacy requirements. This law ensured everyone had an equal chance to cast their vote.

  • Shelby County v Holder

    In "Shelby County v. Holder," decided in 2013, the Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which required certain states with a history of racial discrimination in voting to obtain federal approval before changing their voting laws. The Court ruled that the coverage formula used to determine which states were subject to preclearance was outdated, leading to changes in voting regulations in some states.

  • Equal right amendment

    The Equal Rights Amendment aimed to guarantee equal legal rights regardless of sex, but despite widespread support, it was never officially ratified into the U.S. Constitution.

  • Title IX

    Title IX is a law passed in 1972 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities receiving federal funding. It aims to ensure equal opportunities for both males and females in education, including sports.

  • Regents of the University of California v. Bakke

    In "Regents of the University of California v. Bakke," decided in 1978, the Supreme Court ruled that the use of racial quotas in college admissions was unconstitutional, but upheld the consideration of race as a factor in admissions to promote diversity. This decision set a precedent for affirmative action policies in higher education

  • Bowers v. Hardwick

    In "Bowers v. Hardwick," a Supreme Court case in 1986, the Court upheld the constitutionality of a Georgia law criminalizing sodomy between consenting adults, stating that there was no fundamental right to engage in homosexual activity. This decision was later overturned by "Lawrence v. Texas" in 2003, which declared such laws unconstitutional.

  • American with Disabilities Act

    The Americans with Disabilities Actis a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and public accommodations. It mandates accessibility requirements and reasonable accommodations to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

  • Obergefell v. Hodges

    In "Obergefell v. Hodges," decided in 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, legalizing it nationwide. This landmark decision recognized marriage equality for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, across the United States.