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.
Fostoria is a city in Hancock, Seneca, and Wood counties in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Ohio. It is approximately 40 miles south of Toledo and 90 miles north of Columbus. The population was 13,931 at the 2000 census. The city is named for Charles Foster, the 35th governor of Ohio and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under Benjamin Harrison. Fostoria is known for its glass heritage and railroading: two CSX main lines and one NS main line intersect in downtown Fostoria, an area called the "Iron Triangle" by railfans. Originally there were 5 railroads that serviced the city. They were meant to service glass companies that were located in the city. The city of Fostoria is raising funds to build a railroad park inside the "Iron Triangle" for railroading fans to view trains. As noted above, Fostoria is in 3 different counties, making it among the small number of US cities to share this characteristic.