The CIVIL RIGHTS MONITOR is a quarterly publication that reports on civil rights issues pending before the three branches of government. The Monitor also provides a historical context within which to assess current civil rights issues. Back issues of the Monitor are available through this site. Browse or search the archives
Volume 10 No.2
Letter from the Senior Editor, Bill Taylor
Tribute to civil rights lawyers Spottswood W. Robinson, III, Louis Redding and Leon Higginbotham.
Supreme Court Issues Mixed Ruling-Bars Adjustment of the 2000 Census for Apportionment Purposes:
On January 25, 1999, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in a much anticipated case that the Federal Census Act of 1976 prevents the Census Bureau from using statistical sampling to determine the population for purposes of congressional apportionment. The decision does not prevent the use of statistical sampling to adjust the undercount for other purposes, such as legislative redistricting and the distribution of billions of dollars in federal monies. In fact the decision suggests that the law may require the use of sampling for these latter purposes.
Congressional Update
The 105th Congress fails to resolve dispute over the use of scientific sampling, leaving it for the 106th Congress to resolve.
Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument in Student Sexual Harassment Case:
On January 12, 1999, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral argument in the latest in a series of five sexual harassment cases the Court has considered since last term. The question before the Court in this latest case, Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education, is whether Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 covers student-to-student sex discrimination, and whether a school district is liable for damages for failing to address a student's complaints of sexual harassment.
Sexual Harassment Decisions, Supreme Court 1997-98 Term:
During the 1997-98 term, in addition to the Gebser case, the Supreme Court issued decisions in three cases that addressed sexual discrimination. These cases involved sexual harassment in the workplace, and the decisions provided clarification as to employer and employee responsibility and liability.
Hate Crimes Prevention Act Will be Reintroduced in the 106th Congress:
Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) plans to reintroduce the Hate Crimes Prevention Act in the 106th Congress. As the MONITOR went to press, it appeared that Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) would join Senator Kennedy in introducing the bill, and Representatives John Conyers (D-MI) and Connie Morella (R-MD) would introduce the bill in the House.
Leadership Conference Undertakes Diversity Pilot Program in Two Los Angeles Middle Schools:
The Leadership Conference Education Fund worked with CBS Kids, the Ad Council, and DDB Needhman in a partnership to help students create public service announcements that promote our Nation's diversity and intergroup understanding.The pilot program, at two middle schools engaged the students in thinking about the struggles and progress of the civil rights movement, discussed the nation's growing diversity, and challenged the students to become leaders in improving intergroup relations into the 21st century.
Citizens' Commission on Civil Rights Finds Clinton Civil Rights Legacy Wanting:
According to a recently released report by the Citizens' Commission on Civil Rights, although the Clinton administration continues to lack policies to offer assistance to those who are mired in concentrated poverty, its record on civil rights will be determined largely by what the president attempts in his final period in office to combat poverty, deprivation and discrimination.
