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.
Oneonta is a city in southern Otsego County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, had a population of 13,292. Its nickname is "City of the Hills. " The word "oneonta" is of undetermined origin, but it is popularly thought to mean "place of open rocks" in the Iroquois language. This refers to a prominent geological formation known as "tablerocks" at the western end of the city. The city is surrounded by the town of Oneonta, a separate municipal and political unit. Oneonta is home to the State University of New York at Oneonta and Hartwick College. Oneonta Municipal Airport (N66) is north of the city.