What are civil rights?
Civil rights are personal rights guaranteed and protected by the U.S. Constitution and federal laws enacted by Congress, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Civil rights include, for example: • freedom of speech, • the right to vote, • due process of law, • equal protection of the laws, and • protection from unlawful discrimination. The HHS Office of Civil Rights (OCR) enforces civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, and religion by health care and human services entities over which OCR has jurisdiction, such as state and local social and health services agencies; and hospitals, clinics, nursing homes or other entities receiving Federal Financial Assistance from HHS. Under these laws, all persons in the United States have a right to receive health care and human services in a nondiscriminatory manner. For example, you cannot be denied services or benefits, simply
A. – These are the rights and privileges granted to every person, both citizens and aliens in this country, by the Constitution of the United States! The United States Constitution limits the powers of the government over its citizens and protects the citizens from governmental intrusion. – What constitutes a “Civil Rights” violation? A. – A Civil Rights violation occurs whenever any person, acting under color of law subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the Unted States or other person within the jurisidiction theref to the deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws. – If I suffer a “Civil Rights” violation, what is my remedy? A. – Title 41 U.S. Code, Sec. 1983 allows you to bring an action against any person who violates your Civil Rights Persons who may be sued for Civil Rights under this Statute include: • Individuals • Cities – Under Certain Circumstances • Counties – Under Certain Circumstances • Independent School Distr
