The Equal Rights Struggle Expands

Chapter 29, Section #3

Mexican Americans OrganizeCesar Chavez• Family was migrant farmers while growing up• 1962, organized the National Farm Workers Association• Union boycotted farms• Raised workers’ pay• Better working conditions

Mexican Americans Organize (cont’d)1960s and 1970s:• Most Mexican Americans lived in California or the Southwest• 1970: La Raza Unida (The United People)• Better housing, jobs, education, pay• Election of Mexican Americans

• Students organized:• Demanded better schools• Mexican American teachers• Different subjects

Hispanic Diversity

Hispanics: Roots that go back to Spanish-speaking countries and culturesLatinos: Those who come from countries in Latin America• Many come from different countries• Latinos: Immigration really important• Puerto Ricans: Already citizens• Cubans: Politically conservative, escaped from

communism

Native Americans UniteHad difficulty uniting• Different backgroundsGov’t changed laws to not protect land• United Natives together - protested• National Congress of American Indians

(NCAI)Declaration of Indian Purpose• “Right to choose our own way of life.”• “Responsibility of preserving precious

heritage.”

Native Americans Unite (cont’d)1968:• American Indian Movement (AIM)

• Demanded rights for people on reservations• Greater recognition of tribal laws

• 1972:• AIM member occupied Bureau of Indian Affairs

for 7 days• Wanted own sovereign rights – not “white man’s”

rights

• Protested for more gov’t aid• Indian Self-Determination Act of 1975

• More Control of social programs, law enforcement, education.

The Women’s Movement

1960s:• Women demanded equal rights• Women’s jobs were limited• Limited legal rights• Could lose job if pregnant• When married expected to quit job• “Unnatural” to work outside home

The Women’s Movement (cont’d)

1966: National Organization of Women (NOW)Goals:• Good jobs / Equal payEqual Rights Act of 1972• Called for no discrimination based on sex• Not enough states ratified it – DID NOT PASS!

Eventually, discrimination laws would be passed to expand rights of women in the workplace, sports, and education.