Civil rights and social justice are concepts that revolve around the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or characteristics. These concepts are rooted in the principles of equality, human rights, and the promotion of a just and inclusive society.

Civil Rights

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws extend protections against discrimination to LGBTQ+ individuals. Employers are generally required to treat all employees equally regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Equal Protections

Equal protection is a fundamental principle enshrined in many legal systems, particularly in constitutional law. It ensures that all individuals are entitled to the same legal rights, treatment, and opportunities under the law, regardless of their characteristics or background. The concept of equal protection is closely tied to the idea of nondiscrimination and fairness, aiming to prevent arbitrary or unjust differential treatment by the government or other entities.

In the United States, the Equal Protection Clause is a crucial component of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It states: “No State shall… deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” This clause was ratified in 1868 after the Civil War and was intended to ensure that formerly enslaved individuals and other marginalized groups were granted equal legal protection.