What is the Civil Rights Act of 1968?
The Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that aimed to address the issue of discrimination in housing. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, the act was a response to the civil unrest and racial tensions that had swept the nation following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. The act aimed to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin in the sale, rental, and financing of housing.
The Civil Rights Act of 1968 was a significant expansion of the civil rights protections that had been established by previous legislation. While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had prohibited discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and education, the 1968 act specifically targeted the housing market, which had long been a source of racial segregation and discrimination. The act made it illegal for anyone to refuse to sell or rent a home to a person based on their race, color, religion, or national origin. It also prohibited discrimination in the terms and conditions of sale or rental, including the requirement of different prices for different races or the refusal to provide information about housing opportunities to certain races.
The Fair Housing Act also created the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enforce the new laws and to promote fair housing practices. The act required HUD to develop and implement programs to eliminate discrimination in housing, including the establishment of a national registry of fair housing counselors and the development of a model fair housing policy.
The Civil Rights Act of 1968 had a significant impact on the United States, leading to the desegregation of many neighborhoods and the promotion of fair housing practices across the country. However, despite the act’s success in addressing some forms of discrimination, many challenges remain. Today, the act continues to be a source of debate and discussion, as advocates and policymakers work to ensure that fair housing remains a priority in the United States.
