Laws that were passed to protect and guarantee equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. These laws aimed to address and rectify the systemic discrimination and segregation that existed in American society.
Related terms
Brown v. Board of Education: A Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This landmark decision paved the way for desegregation efforts throughout the country.
Civil Rights Act of 1964: This legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in various aspects of public life including employment, education, and public accommodations.
Voting Rights Act of 1965: An act aimed at overcoming barriers such as literacy tests and poll taxes that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote. It played a significant role in increasing voter registration among African Americans.