What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 do?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that fundamentally transformed civil rights in the nation. It outlawed discrimination in various areas such as employment, education, and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This means that individuals could no longer be treated unfairly or denied rights simply based on these characteristics, promoting equality and protecting the civil rights of all citizens.

The Act was a crucial step in addressing systemic racism and discrimination, laying the groundwork for further civil rights advancements. It empowered individuals to challenge discriminatory practices and established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to enforce these new protections.

By focusing on these core values of equality and justice, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 significantly advanced the civil rights movement and set a precedent for future legislation aimed at combating discrimination in various forms.