Civil Rights Act of 1968

Civil Rights Act of 1968

Long title	An Act to prescribe penalties for certain acts of violence or intimidation, and for other purposes.

The Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that provided for equal housing opportunities regardless of race, religion, or national origin and made it a federal crime to "by force or by threat of force, injure, intimidate, or interfere with anyone...by reason of their race, color, religion, or national origin." The Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, just one week after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal event that underscored the urgent need for this legislation.

Background

The Civil Rights Act of 1968 was built upon previous civil rights legislation, notably the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which primarily addressed discrimination in voting, education, and the use of public facilities. By the mid-1960s, it became apparent that further legislative measures were necessary to address racial discrimination in housing and to protect civil rights workers from violence.

Provisions

The Act is divided into several titles:

• Title II—Prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, or sex.
• Title III—Provided the Attorney General with the authority to file suits to protect individuals against the deprivation of any rights secured by the Constitution or U.S. law.
• Title IV—Reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to ensuring that public facilities are free of discrimination.
• Title V—Expanded the civil rights of Native Americans by recognizing their competence to manage their own affairs.
• Title VI—Prevented discrimination by government agencies that receive federal funds.
• Title VIII (Fair Housing Act)—Prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Impact

The enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 marked a significant step forward in the civil rights movement, particularly in terms of housing. The Fair Housing Act, as Title VIII is commonly known, helped to end the legal segregation of races in housing and laid the groundwork for further legislative and judicial actions aimed at ensuring equal housing opportunities for all Americans.

Challenges and Enforcement

Despite its intentions, the enforcement of the Act has faced numerous challenges. Discrimination in housing has proven to be a persistent and difficult issue to tackle, requiring ongoing efforts from both government and private sectors. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is primarily responsible for the enforcement of the Fair Housing Act, working in conjunction with state and local agencies to address complaints and violations.

Legacy

The Civil Rights Act of 1968 remains a vital component of American civil rights legislation. Its passage not only addressed immediate issues related to housing discrimination but also set a precedent for future civil rights advocacy and legislation. The Act's legacy continues to influence discussions and policies regarding civil rights in the United States today.