Civil Rights Acts – Timeline of Key Laws & Amendments

This page traces the history of the Civil Rights Acts, from Reconstruction through the modern era. Each law expanded (or attempted to expand) protections for equality under the Constitution.

Civil Rights Act of 1866

• First U.S. civil rights law, passed after the Civil War.
• Guaranteed citizenship and equal rights regardless of race.
• Codified in 42 U.S.C. § 1981 (contracts and property rights).

Civil Rights Act of 1871 (Ku Klux Klan Act)

• Targeted racial violence and intimidation in the South.
• Created civil remedies against those acting “under color of law” to deprive rights.
• Still forms the basis of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights lawsuits.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

• Landmark modern civil rights law.
• Prohibited discrimination in employment (Title VII), public accommodations (Title II), and federally funded programs (Title VI).
• Created the EEOC to enforce anti-discrimination law.

Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act)

• Prohibited housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin.
• Later amended to include sex (1974), disability (1988), and family status (1988).

Civil Rights Act of 1991

• Strengthened employee rights under Title VII.
• Allowed jury trials and compensatory/punitive damages for intentional discrimination.
• Clarified burden of proof standards in employment discrimination cases.

Why It Matters Today

The Civil Rights Acts collectively:

Fair Housing Act (1968)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
Enacted just days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Act was designed to end discrimination in housing, addressing systemic barriers to home ownership and rental opportunities for minorities.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination in public accommodations and employment, it did not cover housing. Housing segregation remained deeply entrenched nationwide.

Garn–St Germain Depository Institutions Act (1982)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (12 U.S.C. §§ 1464, 1701j–3, 3801 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
Enacted to address the crisis in the savings and loan (S&L) industry, the Act further deregulated depository institutions, expanded lending powers, and introduced new mortgage options. It was intended to give S&Ls more flexibility and prevent widespread failures.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 (DIDMCA) had already begun phasing out deposit interest ceilings. Garn–St Germain went further, granting S&Ls broader powers in lending and commercial activity. No constitutional rights were directly altered.

Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA, 1989)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (12 U.S.C. §§ 1811 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
Passed in response to the Savings and Loan crisis, FIRREA overhauled regulation of thrift institutions, abolished the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, created new oversight agencies, and authorized taxpayer funds to resolve failing S&Ls.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Previous deregulation under DIDMCA (1980) and Garn–St Germain (1982) had allowed excessive risk-taking, leading to collapse. FIRREA imposed stricter regulation and accountability, but did not alter constitutional rights.