Timeline of Significant Policies
Civil Rights Act of 1964: This act made segregation of all public places illegal. Prior to this act, cities could maintain separate facilities for white and black Americans. There were separate schools, buses, businesses, restrooms, hospitals, and theaters. This segregation was made possible by the Supreme Court ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson, which established the policy of “separate but equal.” While facilities were separate, they were hardly equal. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 sought to extend the rights of white citizens to African Americans, including the opportunity to enroll in school, that were previously denied them.
Sept. 24, 1965: Executive Order 11246 enforces affirmative action for the first time-
Civil Rights Act of 1964: This act made segregation of all public places illegal. Prior to this act, cities could maintain separate facilities for white and black Americans. There were separate schools, buses, businesses, restrooms, hospitals, and theaters. This segregation was made possible by the Supreme Court ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson, which established the policy of “separate but equal.” While facilities were separate, they were hardly equal. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 sought to extend the rights of white citizens to African Americans, including the opportunity to enroll in school, that were previously denied them.
Sept. 24, 1965: Executive Order 11246 enforces affirmative action for the first time-