Civil Rights Act of 1968


Fair Housing Act

Legislation in the United States, passed in 1968, that prohibited discrimination in the sale or rental of a private home based on the buyer's or renter's race, religion, or national origin. The Act was later amended to include gender, ability, and families with children under its protected classes. Critics allege that it provides few enforcement mechanisms and discrimination still occurs. It is also called the Civil Rights Act of 1968. See also: Community Reinvestment Act.

Civil Rights Act of 1968

Expanded upon prior civil rights acts, especially the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Act was passed one week after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. One improvement was the provision of federal solutions to aid in stopping discrimination. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 is also known as the Fair Housing Act. Additional information is available at the Web site of the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division,www.usdoj.gov/crt/crt-home.html.