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.
Round Rock is a city located in Travis and Williamson Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. A part of the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos metropolitan area, its population was 79,136 at the 2000 census. The 2008 census states placed the population at 104,446. In August 2008, Money Magazine named Round Rock as the seventh best American small city to live in. Money based this ranking on an estimated annual income of $85,809 per household, and job growth of 45.15% from 2000-2007 (well above the 18.6% National average). Round Rock was the only Texas city to make the Top 10. In a CNN article dated July 1, 2009, Round Rock was listed as the second fastest growing city in the country, with a population growth of 8.2% in the last year. According to the 2008 ratings from the Texas Education Agency, the Round Rock Independent School District ranks among the best in the state. Of 42 schools within RRISD, 12 were rated exemplary and 11 are recognized. No RRISD schools received an academically unacceptable rating. Round Rock is located on the prairie east of the Balcones Escarpment, and about a 20 minute drive north of Austin, or 45 minute drive during rush hour. Several toll roads now connect it with the greater Austin area, easing the traffic congestion somewhat. Round Rock has been represented in the Texas House of Representatives since 2009 by Democratic member Diana Maldonado, a former Round Rock ISD school board member.