Civil Rights
In your community, we represent individuals who were victims of unequal treatment, or suffered discrimination in public spaces such as schools, stores, gas stations, or restaurants.
Silverstein Wolf fights against the selective enforcement of environmental laws and regulations that negatively impact neighborhoods and communities. We represent individuals who have been treated differently than others because of their race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, disability, or age. Individuals are entitled to basic rights such as freedom from unequal treatment under the law based upon your race, gender, age, disability, national origin, or religion. A state agency or local government cannot impose greater restrictions on you or require additional qualifications or tasks of you because of these characteristics.
The Law Prohibits Discrimination and Protects Civil Rights
Due process of law under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution prohibit the government from depriving individuals of basic constitutional rights without providing fair legal proceedings that include reasonable notice of the proceeding and an opportunity to be heard. In addition to the Constitution, there are statutes that specifically protect the civil rights of individuals.
Sections 1981 and 1983 of Title 42 were enacted after the Civil War to specifically protect individuals against discrimination or unequal treatment and provide a right of action against local and state governments.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in the workplace, and it applies to private employers and federal, state, and local governments.
The Missouri Human Rights Act and Illinois Human Rights Act prohibit discrimination in public accommodation and the workplace. While similar to Title VII, the statutes are not identical and may provide greater or worse remedies in certain situations.
Section VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 extends prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities that receive federal funding. Programs and activities that receive financial assistance from the federal government include, for example, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Education.
Title IX protects against sex discrimination in education programs and activities receiving federal funds, including public schools, universities, and college campuses. This protection extends to sexual harassment and assault.