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.
Spring Arbor is an unincorporated community within Spring Arbor Township, Jackson County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The U.S. Census Bureau has defined a census-designated place (CDP) with the same name for statistical purposes. The CDP has no official status as a municipality and the boundaries defined by the Census Bureau may not precisely correspond to local understanding of the Spring Arbor area. The population of the CDP was 2,188 at the 2000 census. There is a post office in Spring Arbor with ZIP code 49283 that serves an area larger than the CDP, but smaller than the township. As of 2000, the ZIP Code Tabulation Area had a population of 3,110. Spring Arbor Township surrounds the community, but also includes portions of surrounding communities. As of 2000, the township had a population of 7,577. Spring Arbor is the home of Spring Arbor University, a liberal arts university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church.