The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination in which areas?

• A. Public accommodations, federally assisted programs, and employment
• B. Public accommodations only
• C. Employment and housing
• D. Federally assisted programs only

Answer: (A)

Discrimination is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in three major areas: public accommodations, federally assisted programs, and employment. Public accommodations covers places like hotels, restaurants, theaters, and other facilities open to the public, where discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin is not allowed. Federally assisted programs includes any program or activity that receives federal funds, with nondiscrimination required under Title VI. Employment protections come from Title VII, which bars discrimination by employers with a certain number of employees in hiring, firing, pay, and terms and conditions of work.

Housing discrimination, while a major civil rights issue, is addressed by the Fair Housing Act of 1968, not the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That’s why the option listing public accommodations, federally assisted programs, and employment is the correct scope for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The other choices miss one or more of these areas or inappropriately include housing.