Civil Rights Act of 1964

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 2000a et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The Act was passed to end segregation in public places and ban employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a response to the Civil Rights Movement and entrenched systemic discrimination.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
While the 14th Amendment and earlier Civil Rights Acts (1866, 1875) provided some protections, enforcement was weak and inconsistent. The 1964 Act gave federal government direct authority to enforce civil rights.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters argue it was a necessary exercise of federal power to dismantle institutionalized racism. Critics at the time claimed it infringed on states’ rights and private business freedom, but courts upheld its constitutionality.

5) Who or What It Controls

Employers and labor unions (employment discrimination banned)
Public accommodations (hotels, restaurants, theaters, etc.)
Schools (desegregation enforcement)
State and local governments (prohibited from discriminatory practices)

6) Key Sections / Citations

Title II (42 U.S.C. § 2000a) – public accommodations
Title VI (42 U.S.C. § 2000d) – federally funded programs
Title VII (42 U.S.C. § 2000e) – employment discrimination (EEOC created)
Title IV – desegregation of public education

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

Courts continue to apply Title VII broadly, including sexual harassment and LGBTQ workplace rights (Bostock v. Clayton County, 2020)
Ongoing debates about affirmative action, religious liberty exemptions, and the scope of federal anti-discrimination powers

8) Official Sources