What does the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that specifically prohibits discrimination in various contexts, focusing particularly on race, color, religion, and national origin. This means that it established legal protections against discriminatory practices in employment, public accommodations, and federally funded programs based on these characteristics.

This act was a crucial step in the civil rights movement, aiming to eliminate the obstacles and injustices faced by African Americans and other marginalized groups. The legislation laid the groundwork for further civil rights advancements and enforcement through various means, such as establishing the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to help address complaints of discrimination in the workplace.

In contrast, while age, gender, or disability discrimination are also important issues covered by other laws, they are not encompassed within the scope of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Similarly, the act does not focus solely on workplace promotions or discrimination in educational institutions, as its protections are broader and apply to various public and private sectors.