3.9 Civil Rights and Equal Protection

Equal Protection Clause

The 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause bars states from denying any person equal protection of the laws. Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ruled that racial segregation in public schools violates this clause, overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine from Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) and fueling the civil rights movement.

Reconstruction Amendments & Legislation

The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments ended slavery, guaranteed equal protection/due process, and protected voting rights regardless of race. Congress later passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (banning discrimination in public accommodations/employment) and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (eliminating literacy tests, enabling federal oversight of elections) to enforce these guarantees.

Ongoing Struggles for Equality

Civil rights protections have expanded beyond race to gender, disability, and other groups. Groups facing unequal treatment historically have pursued social movements, litigation, and legislation to gain equal protection under the law. Debates continue over remedies like affirmative action and how much government intervention is appropriate to ensure equality.

Key terms

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the 14th Amendment requiring states to apply laws equally to all people.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Supreme Court case ruling that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Case that upheld 'separate but equal' racial segregation, later overturned by Brown.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Law banning discrimination in public accommodations and employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Law that eliminated literacy tests and gave federal government oversight power to protect minority voting rights.

Try an AP-style question

In Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the Court held that…

1. states control school policy fully
2. separate but equal is constitutional
3. busing is required nationwide
4. separate schools are inherently unequal