What did the Civil Rights Act outlaw?

• A. Outlawed segregation in public facilities only
• B. Outlawed segregation in public facilities and voting rights
• C. Outlawed segregation in public facilities and racial discrimination in employment and education; it outlawed discrimination by government agencies receiving federal funds
• D. Outlawed private discrimination in housing

Answer: (C)

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 broadly outlawed racial discrimination in several major areas and set up federal enforcement to push desegregation. It made segregation illegal in public facilities—things like restaurants, hotels, theaters, and other public spaces. It also prohibited racial discrimination in employment, protecting workers and job applicants from biased hiring, firing, or promotion practices.

In addition, the act targeted discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funds. That means education and other federally funded services had to be accessible to everyone regardless of race, and government agencies that distribute federal funds were required to comply with these protections. Put together, these provisions show why the act covers public facilities, employment, and education, including protections tied to federally funded programs.

It’s good to note what isn’t included in this act: private housing discrimination and voting rights aren’t addressed here. Private housing discrimination would be tackled later with the Fair Housing Act of 1968, and voting rights were addressed with separate legislation in 1965.