What landmark legislation was passed in 1964 to outlaw discrimination?

• A. Voting Rights Act
• B. Civil Rights Act
• C. Fair Housing Act
• D. Equal Employment Opportunity Act

Answer: (B)

The Civil Rights Act, passed in 1964, was a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at ending discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This Act marked a significant victory in the Civil Rights Movement, providing a legal framework to combat racial inequalities and segregation in various aspects of American life, including schools, employment, and public accommodations.

One of the key aspects of the Civil Rights Act was its focus on ensuring that individuals had equal access to opportunities and were protected from discriminatory practices. It empowered individuals to seek legal recourse if they faced discrimination, thereby reinforcing the principle of equality under the law. The Act also established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to help enforce laws against workplace discrimination.

While the Voting Rights Act, Fair Housing Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity Act are also significant pieces of legislation, they were focused on more specific aspects of civil rights. The Voting Rights Act, for example, specifically targeted racial discrimination in voting. The Fair Housing Act focused on eliminating discrimination in housing sales and rentals, while the Equal Employment Opportunity Act addressed workplace discrimination separately. The Civil Rights Act was broader in scope and laid the foundational groundwork for these subsequent laws.