Civil Rights

Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

This is significant to the Civil Rights Movement because it says “all men are created equal.” It was the first time in this country that it was thought that all men were created equal.

Seneca Falls Convention

Apr 7, 1848

This was the first Women’s Rights Convention in this country. The first time that women decided to discuss their unequal status socially, politically, and economically. It started a domino effect of conventions and more fight from women in demanding equality.

13th Amendment

Jan 31, 1865

This amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. This was a big step for the Civil Rights Movement because the main problem of racial tensions was abolished, although racism still lasted for a long, long time, blacks and whites could live separate lives.

14th Amendment

Jul 9, 1868

This set the basis for citizenship and due process for all citizens. It is very important because it basically said all slaves born in the US were citizens and their inalienable rights could not be taken from them without due process of the law.

15th Amendment

Feb 3, 1870

All citizens have the right the vote regardless of race, color, etc. This is first time people can vote that aren’t white men landowners. It was a big step for the movement because blacks are finally getting a say in this country’s decisions.

Colorado becomes 1st state to grant women suffrage

Apr 7, 1893

Women gained the right to vote in Colorado. This was a big step because it was the first state to do so, and it started a ripple effect that spread throughout the country.

Plessy v Ferguson

Apr 7, 1896

This decision established that “separate, but equal” programs and facilities were constitutional and could be used in this country. This set the groundwork for future court decisions that were monumental in changing the civil rights in this country.

NAACP Founded

Feb 12, 1909

This was a monumental moment for our country. It was the first time a national organization was created to fight for the rights of the African American community. Now, African Americans had someone to fight for them politically and socially.

19th Amendment

Aug 18, 1920

This allowed anyone to vote without discrimination based on gender. It was the first time in history women had the chance to vote in this country. This is just as significant as the 15th amendment because it allows minorities who never had the option to vote the right to help make decisions for the country.

Exec Order 10450

Apr 27, 1953

Basically this order banned gays and lesbians from working in federal agencies. This was a time in history where it felt like war between gays and straight people. This was a serious setback for the gay community who were trying to fight for equality.

Brown v Board of Education

Apr 7, 1954

This decided that the decision in Plessy v Ferguson was in violation of the 14th Amendment/ Equal Protection Clause. It said that Separate but Equal programs were unconstitutional and inherently unequal. This was a landmark case because it started the integration of public schools in this country.

One, Inc v Olesen

Jan 13, 1958

This was a landmark case for the LBGT community in this country. This opened up free speech to the gay community, and it said that referencing the gay community was not against the 1st amendment. Now, gays could advertise and write wherever and whatever they wanted, as long as it was constitutional.

24th Amendment

Jan 23, 1964

This eliminates poll taxes for voting locations booths. This is very significant because it eliminates one of the last forms of discriminatory practices for voting; now anyone poor or rich is able to vote in this country.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Apr 7, 1964

This landmark law banned discrimination based on race, gender, religion, etc. It was the first time that a law was put into effect banning discrimination. Although it didn’t immediately end the practice, it got the integration process moving.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Apr 7, 1965

This law banned discriminatory practices pertaining to voting. For the longest time white men made it impossible for anyone else to vote, but now voting could be open to all citizens who were qualified to vote. Now this country had to adapt to the opinions of the minorities.

Stonewall Riots

Jun 28, 1969

For a long time in US history, there was the unwritten understanding that gays were inferior and could be harassed without penalty. This date signifies the beginning of the fight against oppression for the gays. They began to fight for their equality and go against the status quo.

Title IX

Apr 7, 1972

This federal law banned sexual discrimination for publically funded programs in education. Basically, it decided that women should have the same opportunities as men in education. It also effected sports, so men and women had to have an equal number of scholarships in collegiate athletics.

APA Removes Homosexuality as Mental Disorder

Apr 7, 1973

This was a big moment for the gay community in America. It shed light on the fact that being gay is not a disorder, but that it is a lifestyle choice. Instead of trying to treat the “condition”, people need to embrace that some choose the lifestyle.

Dont Ask Dont Tell

Apr 7, 1993

This policy was adopted by the US Military. It basically said that gays/lesbians could serve in the military as long they didn’t confess they were. This was very controversial in this country because gays had to hide who they were if they wanted to serve this country.

Defense of Marriage Act

Sep 21, 1996

States are allowed to refuse to recognize marriages from other states if they go against their own laws. States could would be able to not recognize gay/lesbian marriages if they don’t agree with the decision. This was a significant setback for the progress of equality. Once again, the country was divided on the idea of gay equality.

Mass. Legalizes Gay Marriage

Apr 7, 2003

Mass became the first state in the USA to allow same sex marriage. This was a huge step for equality for gays, and started a movement through this country of recognizes gay marriages and becoming more and more accepting of their lifestyle.

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is repealed

Apr 7, 2010

This allowed for soldiers to publicly acknowledge their lifestyle without worrying about being discriminated against. There were no more secrets about sexual orientation and people became more accepting.