US Commission on Civil Rights
The US Commission on Civil Rights (CCR) was established in 1957 under the reign of president Dwight Eisenhower. The CCR was formed to investigate, report, and make recommendations on citizens’ civil rights. These matters concerning civil rights are mainly investigations on inequity founded on gender, race, disability, nationality (Heriot, 2018). The public is informed about the US Commission on Civil Rights through publications and reports such as press releases, newsletters, and statements. The CRR includes eight commissioners from different political parties who serve for six years are appointed by the President of the USA, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Interim President of the Senate. The CCR ensures that citizens have equivalent social opportunities that cover rights to a fair trial, vote, government resources and services, education, and protection under the law (Heriot, 2018). The US Commission on Civil Rights has been charged with the power to investigate, report, and make recommendations on the citizen’s civil rights.
The US Commission on Civil Rights’ primary role is to investigate, report, and recommend citizens’ civil rights. These operations are carried out systematically, with investigations being the first step. The CCR has a duty of carrying out investigations on inequity based on gender, sex, disabilities, and nationality (Heriot, 2018). Once an issue on civil rights has been brought to their attention, the commissioners have to decide on the kind of investigation that will be used depending on the severity of this issue and take action immediately. The commissioners of the CCR also choose a team of investigators with the right skills and expertise to carry out the investigation (Heriot, 2018). This team is responsible for conducting the whole investigation by gathering information necessary to the case through interviews and observations. They also have to evaluate the evidence to ensure credibility before making a report.
The appointed team makes an all-inclusive report with an executive summary composed of the data collected, methods of data analysis, and evaluation. The information has to be accurate and bias-free. They then present the CCR commissioners with the report. The commissioners who hold meetings monthly and six briefings on the matter at hand analyze and evaluate the information submitted to them after thorough investigations then draft recommendations (Heriot, 2018). The drafted recommendations are then sent to Congress, which passes and implements them (Heriot, 2018). However, it is crucial to note that the US Commission on Civil Rights does not make laws concerning civil rights; it only enhances the process of enforcement by making recommendations. The US Commission on Civil Rights has a made of investigating civil cases, making reports on the same, and making recommendations to Congress.
The Masterpiece Cakeshop Limited vs. the Colorado Civil Rights Commission was an important case involving the CCR. This case involved a baker and a homogeneous couple in Colorado (Laycock, 2018). The baker, a devout Christian, declined to prepare a cake for the gay marriage because he considered it was inappropriate. The pair then filed a lawsuit with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, citing the Anti-Discrimination Act of Colorado, which prohibits unfair treatment based on sexual orientation (Laycock, 2018). The commission made a fair ruling to both parties since the baker was also entitled to his own beliefs and rights.
In conclusion, the CCR, established in 1957 under President Dwight, ensures that no one is discriminated against based on their sexuality, gender, religion, and nationality. It comprises eight commissioners who are mandated with carrying out the CCR’s responsibilities. The CCR is charged with the power to investigate, report, and make recommendations on the citizen’s civil rights. CCR commissioners make recommendations to Congress, who then enforce them. They implemented laws to ensure that everyone is treated equally and protected by the law.
References
Heriot, G. L. (2018). Commissioner Gail Heriot Statement and Rebuttal in the US Commission on Civil Rights’ an Assessment of Minority Voting Rights Access in the United States.
Laycock, D. (2018). The Wedding-Vendor Cases. Harv. JL & Pub. Poly.