Children with disabilities or specialized healthcare needs were legally excluded from U.S. public education for decades, but in the last 45 years, they have gained tremendous ground in receiving comparable educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers. The purpose of this article is to provide a historical review of the educational laws…

The history of the social, legal, and educational aspects of equal opportunity and equal results are outlined, and the rift between the two principles is described. Equal opportunity laws work, especially when enforced expeditiously, and are supported by most Americans. Equal results laws are a failure and counterproductive. (Author/AL)

Historical trends of Constitutional inequality are presented in the context of women's movements. The status of women and the struggle for equal rights are negatively affected by conservatism in the executive and judicial branches of government. Recent court decisions have left much room for interpretation with respect to women's rights. (VM)

Presents a comparative analysis of the U.S. and Indian Supreme Courts' roles in civil rights and preference policies. Despite structural and historical differences, similarities exist in the development of such policies. Both are more concerned with fidelity to constitutional and statutory interpretations than to personal ideological viewpoints.…

In the early 1940s the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) created its Committee to Abolish Racial Discrimination (CARD), whose members were pioneers in the attempt within the U.S. labor movement to overcome the divisiveness of racial discrimination. Although the CIO's racial policies were a significant advancement over those of the…

States that the civil rights movements served as a catalyst to women in working for their own rights. Points out that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Women's Rights Project, modeled after the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense fund, led the litigation battles for women's rights. Lists…

This book examines the life of Ella Baker, the civil rights worker who was a key figure in the formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and other civil rights organizations. The biography, which is aimed at young readers aged 10 and older, recounts the history of the…

This annotated bibliography focuses on the constitutional role of Oklahoma by highlighting the constitutionally significant cases that arose during the territorial period and after statehood. The intention is to bring important constitutional issues closer to home, and thereby create an appreciation for the Constitution as a vital, living…

Examines the impact of race on 19th century politics and social order. Discusses the denial of voting rights and due process to free Blacks prior to the Civil War and the "unkept promises" of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Lists books on the 19th century Black experience and identifies significant…

Recommends studying Fannie Lou Hamer's work in the civil rights movement of the 1960s to teach students a greater appreciation of the citizen's role in enforcing constitutional rights. Includes a role-playing activity, discussion questions, and a handout on Hamer. Suggests students will recognize the relationship between the Fourteenth Amendment…

Presents a lesson tracing the legal evolution toward greater justice in U.S. society from 1865-1965 through congressional acts and Supreme Court decisions. Includes student handouts of major civil rights cases, legislation, and background information. Provides a bar graph for evaluating Supreme Court decisions and congressional acts that advance…