Timeline of Selected Civil Rights Legislation in the United States

Civil Rights Act of 1866: Guaranteed that all persons born in the United States are citizens, and guaranteed that all citizens of “every race and color” would have the same right in every state to make contracts, sue in court, and buy and sell property

Civil Rights Act of 1957: Prohibited the denial of any citizen’s right to vote on the basis of color, race, religion, or national origin, as well as the coercion or intimidation of any voter.

Civil Rights Act of 1964: Outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, especially in voting, schools, workplaces, and places that served members of the public, known as “public accommodations.”

Voting Rights Act (1965): Provided for many areas of federal election administration, prohibited the use of literacy tests, and prohibited states and local authorities from imposing voting laws or procedures that discriminate against language or racial minorities.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (1967): Prohibited employment discrimination against anyone 40 years or age and older.

Education Amendments (1972): Title IX prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex in educational activities.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: Prohibited Discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and governmental activities.