Unit Description: Civil Rights
Upholding Equality and Justice

This engaging unit introduces middle school students to the fundamental principles of civil rights, exploring the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States. We will examine historical and contemporary issues related to civil rights, analyze landmark Supreme Court cases, and engage in respectful discussions about the importance of social justice.

Learning Objectives:

• Define and explain the concept of civil rights.
• Understand the historical context of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
• Analyze landmark Supreme Court cases related to civil rights, such as Brown v. Board of Education and Brown v. Board of Education II.
• Identify and discuss various forms of discrimination, including racial, gender, religious, and disability discrimination.
• Explore the role of laws, social movements, and individual action in advancing civil rights.  
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate social and political issues related to equality and justice.
• Engage in respectful and informed discussions about contemporary civil rights issues.
• Legal Vocabulary Terminologies.

Unit Content:

• Introduction to Civil Rights:

• • • Defining civil rights and their importance in a democratic society.  
    • The historical context of the Civil Rights Movement.
    • Key figures and events in the struggle for civil rights.

• The Fight for Racial Equality:

• • • Brown v. Board of Education and the desegregation of public schools.  
    • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
    • The ongoing struggle for racial justice.

• Contemporary Civil Rights Issues:

• • Racial profiling and police brutality.
  • Discrimination in housing, employment, and education.  
  • Access to healthcare and voting rights.
  • Immigration policies and their impact on civil rights.

Case Law Problems:

• Students will analyze real-world case studies involving civil rights issues, applying legal principles and formulating reasoned arguments.
• Class debates: Students will engage in respectful debates on controversial topics related to civil rights, such as affirmative action and immigration reform.
• Role-playing activities: Students will role-play different perspectives in scenarios involving civil rights issues, such as protesters, police officers, and government officials.

Case Laws: 

• Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964): This case upheld the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination in public accommodations. The Court ruled that Congress had the power to regulate interstate commerce, including the activities of businesses that served interstate travelers. This case further solidified the federal government’s role in protecting civil rights.  
• National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012): This case challenged the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While the Court upheld the individual mandate, it did so under Congress’s taxing power, not its commerce power. This decision raised questions about the limits of federal power under the Commerce Clause.  

This unit is perfect for students who are:

• Curious about social justice and human rights.
• Interested in learning about history and current events.
• Eager to develop their critical thinking and communication skills.
• Passionate about making a positive impact on the world.

Why is this unit important? 

This unit provides middle school students with a valuable foundation in understanding the principles of civil rights and their importance in a just and equitable society. By exploring these concepts, students will develop critical thinking skills, learn to appreciate the diverse perspectives of others, and become more informed and engaged citizens.

What Students Learn at the End of each Class:

By the end of each class, students will have a deeper understanding of the history and ongoing struggle for civil rights in the United States. They will be able to analyze real-world scenarios involving civil rights issues, engage in respectful and informed discussions, and develop a commitment to promoting social justice and equality for all.

Join us as we explore the ongoing journey towards a more just and equitable society.