A civil right is an enforceable right or privilege, which if interfered with by another gives rise to an action for injury. Examples of civil rights are freedom of speech, press, and assembly; the right to vote; freedom from involuntary servitude; and the right to equality in public places. Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of their membership in a particular group or class. Statutes have been enacted to prevent discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, previous condition of servitude, physical limitation, national origin, and in some instances sexual preference. Civil rights attorneys handle cases involving the rights of individuals to be free from unequal treatment (or discrimination) based on legally-protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, national origin, age, sexual orientation, and religion. Civil rights cases can arise in a number of settings -- including employment, housing, lending, and education.
Harwood Heights is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 8,297 at the 2000 census. The current Mayor is Arlene Jezierny. She is the second woman to serve as mayor in Harwood Heights, the first being Mayor Margaret Fuller. Harwood Heights is located at 41°57′58″N 87°48′20″W / 41.96611°N 87.80556°W / 41.96611; -87.80556 (41.966172, -87.805576). According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.8 square miles (2.1 km²), all of it land. Harwood Heights is surrounded by Chicago and Norridge.