Anti-Segregation Legislation

Definition

This refers to laws passed to end racial segregation - the enforced separation of different racial groups in daily life, such as eating in a restaurant or going to school.

Analogy

Imagine if you went into an ice cream shop and there was a barrier preventing you from accessing some flavors just because you prefer chocolate over vanilla. Anti-segregation legislation removes that barrier so everyone can enjoy all flavors equally.

Related terms

Brown v. Board of Education: A Supreme Court case where it was ruled that U.S. state-sanctioned segregation of public schools was unconstitutional.

Voting Rights Act of 1965: This act prohibits racial discrimination in voting by ensuring all citizens have equal access to vote regardless their race or color.

Civil Rights Movement: A struggle by African Americans in the mid-1950s to late 1960s to achieve civil rights equal to those of whites, including equal opportunity in employment, housing, and education.