Timeline of Young People’s Rights in the United States

Here’s a timeline highlighting key milestones in the evolution of young people’s rights in the United States:

1. Table of Contents

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   1938: Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

   • The Fair Labor Standards Act, passed during the New Deal era, establishes minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, recordkeeping, and child labor standards. It marked an early effort to protect young workers from exploitation.

2. 1969: Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District

   • In Tinker v. Des Moines, the Supreme Court rules that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” This decision affirmed the First Amendment rights of students in public schools.

3. 1971: 26th Amendment

   • The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, granting 18-year-olds the right to vote.

4. 1973: Roe v. Wade

   • In Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court affirms a woman’s constitutional right to choose to have an abortion, recognizing reproductive rights for women, including young women.

5. 1975: Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Now IDEA)

   • The Education for All Handicapped Children Act is enacted, guaranteeing a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities. It lays the foundation for later special education legislation.

6. 1984: National Minimum Drinking Age Act

   • The National Minimum Drinking Age Act sets the legal drinking age at 21. States that fail to comply face a reduction in federal highway funds, impacting young people’s access to alcohol.

7. 1989: Convention on the Rights of the Child

   • The United Nations adopts the Convention on the Rights of the Child, setting international standards for the rights of children, including protection from exploitation and the right to education.

8. 1990: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

   • The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications.

9. 1994: Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

   • The Violence Against Women Act addresses domestic violence and sexual assault. It includes provisions aimed at protecting young people and children who are victims of violence.

10. 2001: No Child Left Behind Act

    • The No Child Left Behind Act introduces education reforms, emphasizing standardized testing and accountability. It influences education policy and funding, impacting the rights of students.

11. 2010: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)

    • The Affordable Care Act includes provisions allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ health insurance plans until the age of 26, addressing a gap in coverage for many young people.

12. 2015: Obergefell v. Hodges

    • In Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court legalizes same-sex marriage nationwide, affirming the right of LGBTQ+ individuals, including young people, to marry.

13. 2018: March for Our Lives

    • In response to the Parkland school shooting, young activists organize the March for Our Lives, advocating for gun control and school safety. It highlights the activism and advocacy of young people on issues of public concern.

14. 2020: Bostock v. Clayton County

    • In Bostock v. Clayton County, the Supreme Court rules that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, protecting LGBTQ+ individuals’ rights.

15. 2021: DACA Reinstated

    • The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects certain undocumented young people from deportation, is reinstated by the Biden administration after facing legal challenges.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the evolving landscape of young people’s rights in the United States, encompassing legal, educational, reproductive, and social aspects of their lives. The trajectory reflects a continuous effort to address and protect the rights of young individuals across various domains.