Civil rights are a class of rights that protect individual freedoms. They also offer safety protection from discrimination, the right to privacy, freedom of thought, speech, religion, assembly and movement. They guarantee that people can fully participate in our society, regardless of race, religion, sex, age or disability.
In our everyday lives, civil rights continuously occur at work, school and other areas in our community. These rights are so engrained in our daily lives, they aren’t noticed until denied. Here are some ways civil rights show up in our everyday lives.
• When applying for a job or promotion — Employees should evaluate candidates based on their qualification for the position and job performance.
• Protection from harassment — In workplaces and schools, employers and school
administrators are mandated to address harassment, hate and to create safe environments.
• Access to education — All students have the right to attend public schools and to participate in programs without discrimination. The Washington State Constitution, Article IX, Section 1 states: All students have the right to equal protection. They have the right to be free from discrimination at school. No student may be denied an identical educational opportunity or
discriminated against.
• The right to vote and why learning civics matter — Learning civics is the study of the rights and responsibilities of citizens and how government works. It teaches people how laws are made
and how elections work. Knowing civics transforms us from passive unknowing observers into active informed participants.
• Public services and facilities — All public parks, public libraries and transportation must be accessible and available to everyone.
• Housing — Civil rights protect people from being denied housing or treated differently
because of race, religion, family status, disability or national origin.
• Religious freedom — People have the right to practice their faith without discrimination or government interference.
• Freedom of expression — People are free to speak out, advocate for causes they care about, attend community meetings, and peacefully protest without fear of arrest or retaliation.
What can you do?
Stay informed about issues that are affecting your community, vote in every election, attend public meetings and speak up when you see unfair treatment or barriers. Take the time to learn about the rights and responsibilities we share as citizens, and encourage others to do the same.
Learn about the anti-harassment and welcoming policies in your school district. The NAACP of Thurston County partners and collaborates with several community organizations, that includes the League of Women Voters of Thurston County. Their mission statement is: We envision a democracy where all Thurston County community members have the desire, the right, the knowledge, and the confidence to participate equitably in public life. Their members register/inform voters and encourages them to vote, table at community events, reach out to high school and college students, as well as senior citizens. In addition, they distribute information to Timberland Regional Library branches, civic and
religious organizations.
At the federal level, on April 11, 2025, The National League of Women Voters, NAACP and Equal Justice Society filed an Amicus brief, which urged the federal court to invalidate an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The executive order sought to revoke birthright citizenship for individuals born in the United States to undocumented persons or temporary legal residents. The brief centered on racial justice, emphasizing that birthright citizenship is not a matter of political debate or preference, but rather a right rooted in the purpose of the Reconstruction Amendments, which established and protects the full personhood and civil rights of Black Americans and other historically excluded
communities. Protecting civil rights is a shared responsibility to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity to participate in our precious democracy. The responsibility of upholding freedom and democracy belongs to all of us.
Angela Jefferson is a Tumwater City Council member and member of the NAACP of Thurston County, with a passion for social justice, civic engagement, education and local history.