In this scenario, we need to match each discrimination scenario with the corresponding federal civil rights law that prevents such discrimination. Let's go through each scenario and match it with the appropriate law:
a. Female college students are not allowed to take chemistry classes at a public university.
- This scenario aligns with Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972. Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Therefore, female students being denied access to chemistry classes at a public university would be a violation of Title IX.
b. A person in a wheelchair can't access a federal courthouse because it has no wheelchair ramp.
- This situation relates to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in the employment practices of federal contractors. In this case, the lack of wheelchair accessibility violates the rights of the person in a wheelchair under this act.
c. Black people are told to sit in the back when riding a public bus.
- This discrimination is covered under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public accommodations, including buses. Therefore, segregating black individuals to the back of the bus would be a violation of this law.
d. A landlord refuses to rent an apartment to a family because they are Muslim.
- This discriminatory action falls under the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. Refusing to rent an apartment to a family because of their religion (in this case, being Muslim) would be a violation of the Fair Housing Act.
e. Latino voters are singled out to take a reading test in order to register to vote.
- This form of discrimination is addressed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Voting Rights Act prohibits racial discrimination in voting practices by states and localities, including literacy tests. Singling out Latino voters to take a reading test as a requirement to register to vote would contravene this law.
By matching each scenario to the corresponding federal civil rights law, we ensure that individuals are protected from discrimination based on various characteristics.
