Civil Rights Law

The Declaration of Independence, issued on July 4, 1776, stated: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal..."

Yet the new nation declaring its independence permitted the continuation of the practice of slavery for people of African heritage - a practice that continued until the Civil War in the 1860s. At the conclusion of the Civil War, much remained to be done to ensure the rights and privileges of citizenship to all Americans. As America became a more diverse nation, welcoming immigrants from around the globe, problems of racial discrimination endured for many minority group members. Women and persons with disabilities also fought for and obtained laws that provided for fairness and equality.

The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice is responsible for enforcing the civil rights laws passed by the Congress. More on the federal civil rights laws and examples from history that led to their passage - click here.

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency first established by Congress in 1957 and reestablished in 1983.

It is directed to:

• Investigate complaints alleging that citizens are being deprived of their right to vote by reason of their race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or by reason of fraudulent practices
• Study and collect information relating to discrimination or a denial of equal protection of the laws under the Constitution because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or in the administration of justice
• Appraise Federal laws and policies with respect to discrimination or denial of equal protection of the laws because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or in the administration of justice
• Serve as a national clearinghouse for information in respect to discrimination or denial of equal protection of the laws because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin
• Submit reports, findings, and recommendations to the President and Congress
• Issue public service announcements to discourage discrimination or denial of equal protection of the laws

Additional Civil Rights Law Information

• Civil Rights Law Resources
• Discrimination Law
• Criminal Civil Rights Law Enforcement

Housing Rights in the State of Iowa by James C. Larew Attorney at Law  It is an unfair or discriminatory practice for any person, owner, or person acting for an owner, of rights to housing or real property, with or without compensation, including but not limited to persons licensed as real estate brokers or salespersons, attorney, auctioneers, agents or representatives by power of attorney or appointment, or any person acting under court order, deed or trust, or will:  1. To refuse to sell, rent, lease, assign, sublease, refuse to negotiate, or to otherwise make unavailable, or deny any real property or housing accommodation or part, portion, or interest therein, to any person because of the race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or familial status of such person. [ read more ]

Iowa Discrimination Law & Litigation Overview by James C. Larew Attorney at Law It is a violation of the Code of Iowa to discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, or disability. Any person claiming to be aggrieved by a discriminatory or unfair practice may, in person or by an attorney, make, sign, and file with the Civil Rights Commission a verified, written complaint which shall state the name and address of the person, employer, employment agency, or labor organization alleged to have committed the discriminatory or unfair practice of which complained, shall set forth the particulars thereof, and shall contain such other information as may be required by the Commission. [ read more ]

Civil Rights Related Links & Resources 

• CIVIL RIGHTS LAW AND HISTORY
• U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS
• DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ADA - Home Page
• CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION - Home Page
• US EPA OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS - On this Website you will find information on Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.