Civil Rights Act Of 1964

7 Pages 1837 Words

legislation since reconstruction is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Decisions of the Supreme Court, at the time limited Congressional enforcement of the 14th Amendment to state action. (Since 1964 the Supreme Court has expanded the reach of the 14th Amendment in some situations to individuals discriminating on their own). Therefore, in order to reach the actions of individuals, Congress, using its power to regulate interstate commerce, enacted the civil Rights Act of 1964. Discrimination based on “race, color, religion, or national origin” in public establishments that had a connection to interstate commerce or was supported by the state is prohibited.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent legislation also declared a strong legislative policy against discrimination in public schools and colleges, which aided in desegregation. Title I of the act guarantees equal voting rights by removing registration requirements and procedures biased against minorities and the underprivileged. Title II prohibits segregation or discrimination in places of public accommodation involved in interstate commerce. Title III and Title IV calls for the desegregation of public schools. Title V extends the life and expands the power of the Civil Rights Commission. Title VI provides for federal financial assistance to be terminated or withheld from educational institu...