Civil Rights Webquest: Women’s Rights

Directions: While most think of race-based issues when they hear the term civil rights, many
other groups have had to fight for equal protection under the laws, including women. Complete
the webquest below to learn how women gradually secured equal rights in the nation.

Voting Rights
Access the following link:
[Link]

1. One of the biggest fights for women was the right to vote. Which
19th
amendment gave women the right to vote? _________ What year was it
1920
passed? _________

2. The fight for women’s rights reached the national stage in 1848 with
Seneca Falls Convention
which convention? ____________________________

3. Who were some of the famous female activists for women’s rights?
Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott

The 1960s and 1970s brought a second wave of feminism, where women fought
for a number of rights. One important category was reproductive rights,
wrapped up in a right to privacy. Access the following link:
[Link]

Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

4. Summarize the Connecticut law that was in question in this case.
The Connecticut law prohibited the use of contraceptives, even by married couples.

5. Explain the decision the justices made in regards to Griswold v. Connecticut.

The justices struck down the law, stating it violated the right to marital privacy.

6. The justices saw the “spirit” of a right to privacy in which amendments?

First, Third, Fourth, and Ninth Amendments

7. Do you agree with the judge’s interpretation of the Constitution/Bill of Rights? Do you see a
fundamental right to privacy? Explain.
I agree with the Court’s interpretation in Griswold v. Connecticut. Even if the right to privacy isn’t directly
stated in the Constitution, the protections in several amendments clearly suggest that people should
have privacy in personal matters, especially within marriage.

Next, you can either click the Roe v. Wade hyperlink at the bottom of the
Griswold v. Connecticut page or access the following link:
[Link]

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Roe v. Wade (1973)
8. Read the second paragraph and summarize the circumstances that
landed the Roe v. Wade case before the Supreme Court.
A woman under the alias 'Jane Roe' wanted to terminate her pregnancy
but was prohibited by Texas
law.

9. Describe the decision made by the court in Roe v. Wade. How did a “right to privacy” factor
in? The court ruled that the Constitution protects a woman's right to an abortion under the right to
privacy.

First trimester,
10. During what timeframe does Roe v. Wade authorize abortions? ____________________
Are states allowed to limit abortions under certain circumstances once this timeframe has
Yes
passed? _________

11. Do you agree with the court’s decision in Roe v. Wade? Why or why not?
I agree with the Court’s recognition of a right to privacy in Roe v. Wade,
but I believe the decision about abortion should ultimately be left to each
state and its voters. This allows communities to reflect their values through
democratic processes.
Access the following link for the next case:
[Link]

Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992)

12. In the late 1980s, Pennsylvania passed new abortion statutes that set several new
requirements for women seeking an abortion. List those requirements below.
24-hour waiting period, parental consent for minors, spousal notification, informed consent.

Yes
13. Did the court reaffirm the right to privacy in Planned Parenthood v. Casey? __________

14. In this case, the court passed a new “undue burden” standard. Explain what this standard
essential means.
The undue burden standard means laws are unconstitutional if they place substantial obstacles in
the path of a woman seeking an abortion.

15. While the Supreme Court upheld most of the new Pennsylvania abortion statutes, which one
did they strike down? Do you agree with their decision?
I don’t agree with the Court’s decision to strike down the spousal notification requirement. In a
marriage, important decisions—especially those involving a child—should involve both partners.
I believe the husband has a right to be informed, and not telling him goes against the mutual
responsibility that marriage is built on.

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 Sex Discrimination:
Access the following link: [Link]
In addition to addressing racial inequality, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also included sex
discrimination and established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
16. Looking at their website, in what ways does the federal government (EEOC) forbid sex
discrimination in the workplace today? Bullet point a few examples below.
- Hiring - Firing - Pay - Job assignments - Promotions - Training - Fringe benefits - Any other term or
condition of employment

While significant progress has been made to eliminate sex discrimination, there
are still areas in which the government makes distinctions between men and
women that they consider reasonable. Historically, military service has been
one of those areas. Follow the link: [Link]
17. What issue was Rostker v. Goldberg fought over?
Whether women should be included in the military draft.

18. What reasoning did the court give for their decision?
The Court upheld the male-only draft, citing that women were not eligible for combat roles at the
time.
19. In the time we live in today, women are now eligible for all combat roles, so do you think the
court’s reasoning is still legitimate? What is your opinion on the issue and why?
I don’t think the Court’s reasoning in Rostker v. Goldberg still holds up today, but I also don’t believe women should
be required to register for the draft. Women should have the choice to serve in the military if they want to, but it
shouldn’t be mandatory. Equal opportunity doesn’t always mean equal obligation, especially when it comes to
something as serious as combat.
Key Laws Over Time
The twentieth century has seen the proposal and passage of several key laws,
expanding the civil rights of women. Access the following link and explain the
significance of each of the following laws:
[Link]
[Link] If the specific timeline does not appear, simply type “women’s rights
timeline” in the search bar and it should be the 1st result.
1963: Equal Pay Act-
Prohibited wage discrimination based on sex.

1964: Civil Rights Act-

Banned employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

1972: Title IX-

Prohibited sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial aid.

1978: Pregnancy Discrimination Act-

Prohibited discrimination based on pregnancy in the workplace.

20. In what areas do you think we still need to make progress?

I think we need to make progress in supporting strong family structures. While not requiring it, I believe there should
be laws ©and
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Social Studiesthat encourage dual-parent households and promote family life. With birthrates decreasing, it's
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important to create a culture that values parenting and raising children, and helps families thrive.
The Equal Rights Amendment
Access the following link: [Link]
passed-by-congress If the link does not bring up the specific page, simply type “Equal Rights
Amendment” into the search bar within [Link] and it should be the 1st non-ad result.

21. When was the ERA passed by Congress? Was it ever ratified?
1972, and it was never ratified.

22. The ERA continues to be proposed. What is the basic wording of the amendment?
Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State
on account of sex.
23. Do you think we need to pass an Equal Rights Amendment today? Why or why not?
I don’t think we need to pass the Equal Rights Amendment today. While I support equal rights for
everyone, I believe we already have strong protections in place through current laws. Instead of adding
new amendments, we should focus on improving and enforcing the ones we already have to support
families and individual freedoms.

© Holly's Social Studies Store 10/17