Remembering the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Then and Now
Stronger than all the armies is an idea whose time has come. ... The time has come for equality of opportunity in sharing in government, in education, and in employment. It will not be stayed or denied. It is here.
--Senator Everett Dirksen, minority leader in 1964, on the Civil Rights Act of 1964
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which passed "on the backs of Northern Democrats and Republicans" by a vote of 73-27 in the Senate, and 289-126 in the House, reports CNN. As he announced the passage of the Act, President Lyndon B. Johnson stated, "It does say that there are those who are equal before God shall now also be equal in the polling booths, in the classrooms, in the factories," says CNN.
As we honor this momentous piece of legislation, we look at some of our posts dealing with handling discrimination claims and litigation.
Cyberbullying Epidemic: What Can Lawyers Do to Help? -- Discussing the potential of using the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to stop cyberbullying in the absence of specific legislation.
How to Handle an EEOC Discrimination Charge -- Written from the in-house attorneys' perspective, this post will give you an idea of what the other side is thinking.
EEOC Publishes New Guidelines on Religious Garb and Grooming -- A short update on new EEOC guidelines regarding religious garb and grooming.
In Down Economy, EEOC Steps Up Employment Discrimination Fight -- Discussing the relationship between the economic downturn and the increase in workplace discrimination claims.
EEOC Mad About BMW and Dollar General's Background Checks -- Tips for complying with the EEOC's guidelines on performing background checks.
Burger King's Racist Sign, the EEOC, and Practice Tips -- Helpful tips for your clients in the event of a social media gaffe.
3 Ways to Prevent Workplace Retaliation Lawsuits -- Discussing tips for you, or your clients, on how to prevent workplace retaliation claims.
Subtle Age Discrimination: Is Your Company Engaging in It? -- Be on the lookout for subtle age discrimination -- how to avoid it, and how to see it in a prospective claim.
Transgender Discrimination: Update Your Company Policies -- People just keep finding more ways to discriminate. Here's the latest on how to advise your clients about transgender discrimination.
Ex-Law Firm Partner Not an 'Employee,' Discrimination Suit Tossed -- Of special interest to small firm partners, this post discusses when a partner is a partner, and not an employee for purposes of discrimination claims.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 has seen, and continues to see, its share of litigation as the courts try to uphold the good intentions and meaning of the Act. As we look back at the past 50 years of improving civil rights in this county, we look forward to the next 50 with high hopes that we can eradicate all forms of discrimination in the spirit of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
What's your favorite civil rights case? Let us know @FindLawLP on Twitter.
Related Resources:
- Major Features of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (The Dirksen Center)
- March on Washington 50th Anniversary: Reflecting on Civil Rights (FindLaw's D.C. Circuit Blog)
- Civil Rights: U.S. Supreme Court Decisions (FindLaw)