Civil Rights Act of 1964: Banning Discrimination — Reading Comprehension

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 stands as one of the most important laws in American history. Its main goal was to end discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. During the early 1960s, the United States faced serious problems with unequal treatment, especially in the South. Black Americans were denied basic rights, such as voting, attending certain schools, or eating at certain restaurants. This unfair treatment was known as segregation.

Both Black and white Americans challenged these injustices through the civil rights movement. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. organized marches and protests. Many activists, such as Rosa Parks and John Lewis, risked their lives to demand equality. Meanwhile, some politicians and citizens fiercely resisted change, arguing that states should control their own laws. This conflict created a national debate about the meaning of freedom and justice.

President John F. Kennedy first proposed a strong civil rights law in 1963 after seeing violence against peaceful protesters. He said, “The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.” This quote showed that discrimination harmed the entire country, not just those who experienced it directly. After Kennedy's assassination, President Lyndon B. Johnson promised to continue the fight for civil rights.

The process of passing the Civil Rights Act was very difficult. In Congress, some lawmakers used a filibuster, a tactic to delay voting, to try to stop the bill. Supporters had to build coalitions and persuade enough members to vote in favor. The final law banned segregation in public places, required schools to desegregate, and made it illegal for employers to discriminate.

While many celebrated the new law, others remained deeply opposed. Some business owners and local governments in the South ignored the law or tried to find ways around it. The federal government had to send officials to enforce the act and protect the rights it promised. This showed the complexity of turning legal change into real change in people's lives.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was not a simple solution to all problems of inequality. However, it marked a turning point. It inspired other groups, such as women and people with disabilities, to demand equal rights. Over time, new laws were passed to build on its foundation. Today, the act is seen as a crucial step in the ongoing struggle for justice and fairness in America.

Interesting Fact: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed in the East Room of the White House, with more than 70 pens—each given to people who helped make the law possible.

What year was the Civil Rights Act passed?

Who signed the Civil Rights Act?

What did the Act ban?

Why did some use a filibuster?

How did some react to the new law?

What is the main idea of Kennedy's quote?

The Act ended all inequality instantly. True or false?

What does 'enforce' mean?