What Is Covered By the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
Nov. 1, 2021
If you have ever been discriminated against in the workplace and received justice in the form of a settlement, you should thank the people behind the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Act was monumental in ending employment discrimination and other discriminatory acts that made the lives of women and people of color miserable.
What is the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark ruling that prohibits discrimination based on color, sex, religion, race, and national origin. The Act was signed into effect by President Lyndon B. Johnson, and it also granted the individuals mentioned above equal access to schools, employment, and public spaces.
We mean restaurants, parks, theatres, courthouses, hotels, and even sports arenas by public spaces.
The Legacy of the Act
The Act triggered reforms on several aspects of American life. Title VII prohibited employers and labor unions from discriminating against employees based on their religion, race, and national origin. It led to the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which allowed employees to file lawsuits.
The Act also forbade federal employees from using federal funds to create or maintain discriminatory programs. It also forbade segregation in schools, empowered the Commission on Civil Rights, and forbade unequal voting requirements. Additionally, the Act was also expanded to cover disabled Americans and the elderly.
The Act also energized feminists, which led to the founding of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966. Because of the Act, a woman could get gainful employment even if she had children.
Emboldened by these achievements, Congress expanded the Act to cover pregnant women to ensure they would not face restrictions in their public and private life. It also paved the way for the Voting Rights Act, which forbade the use of discriminatory voting practices such as literacy tests, and the Fair Housing Act, which forbade discrimination in the rental, sale, and financing of property.
Even though racism is still rampant today, you can get the compensation you deserve if you sue for retaliatory discrimination. That would not be possible today if the Civil Rights Act did not exist.
Contact the Law Office of Michael Smith T. Smith and Associates
Employment discrimination can ruin your life and prospects. You shouldn’t have to go to work each day scared you will be harassed or discriminated against. The good news is because of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, you don’t have to put up with that behavior. If you think you are being discriminated against because of your race, color, sex, and religion, get in touch with our attorneys at the Law Office of Michael T. Smith today.
You will receive a free initial consultation once you hire an employment law attorney in Schaumburg from our office. That way, we can assess your case thoroughly and create a strategy to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Bring as much relevant information as possible to the first meeting for a solid strategy. The time to act is now! Get in touch with us today so you can get the maximum compensation you deserve.