Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of U.S. federal legislation that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, it marked a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement and sought to end segregation in public places, promote equal access to education and employment, and enforce the constitutional right to vote.

It is one of the most important civil rights laws in U.S. history and laid the foundation for later anti-discrimination laws.

Key Facts

• Signed Into Law: On July 2, 1964, by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
• Title VII (most referenced in employment law):
  
  • Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), or national origin.
  • Applies to employers with 15 or more employees.
  • Enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
• Covers Public Accommodations and Education: Ended segregation in schools, libraries, parks, and restaurants. Title IV allowed the federal government to help desegregate public schools.
• Voting Rights and Government Services: Strengthened protections for voter registration and access to public services, leading up to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• Applies to Federally Funded Programs: Title VI prohibits discrimination in any program receiving federal financial assistance.
• Influence on Later Laws: Led to additional civil rights legislation like the Fair Housing Act (1968), Title IX (1972), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990).
• Still Relevant Today: Used in modern cases related to sexual harassment, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious accommodation in the workplace.

1. What is the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

It’s a U.S. federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment, education, public accommodations, and federally funded programs.

2. What is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act?

Title VII is the section of the law that prohibits employment discrimination. It’s enforced by the EEOC and applies to most employers in the U.S.

3. Who is protected under the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

Individuals are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin—regardless of their citizenship status or job title.

4. How does the Civil Rights Act affect the workplace?

Employers cannot discriminate in hiring, promotion, compensation, or firing based on the protected categories. They also must take steps to prevent harassment and retaliation.

5. Is the Civil Rights Act of 1964 still in effect today?

Yes. It remains a cornerstone of U.S. civil rights law and continues to evolve through court interpretations, including protections for LGBTQ+ employees under Title VII (as confirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2020).