What was the purpose of the 1968 Civil Rights Act?

The 1968 Civil Rights Act, officially known as the Fair Housing Act, aimed to expand civil rights protections by prohibiting discrimination in housing. This legislation was a significant step in the broader civil rights movement, addressing persistent issues of racial segregation and inequality in housing markets. It sought to ensure that individuals could rent or buy homes without facing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

The context of this act is rooted in the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, particularly after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which highlighted the urgent need for robust legislative action to protect the rights of marginalized communities. The Fair Housing Act was instrumental in promoting equality in housing while supporting the larger goal of achieving civil rights for all citizens.

While there were other civil rights laws aimed at education and employment, the specific focus of the 1968 Act was primarily on housing discrimination, which is why it stands out as a landmark piece of legislation in that area.