Proposition 14

Definition

Proposition 14, passed in 1964, was a controversial ballot measure in California that aimed to repeal the Fair Housing Act of 1963, which prohibited racial discrimination in housing. This proposition allowed property owners to refuse to sell or rent their properties based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, significantly impacting the civil rights landscape in California by institutionalizing racial segregation in housing practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Proposition 14 was initially approved by California voters with over 65% in favor, reflecting significant public support for the repeal of housing discrimination laws at that time.
2. The proposition faced strong opposition from civil rights activists and organizations who argued it would lead to increased racial segregation and discrimination in housing.
3. Proposition 14 led to numerous legal challenges, eventually reaching the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of 'Reitman v. Mulkey', which ruled that it violated the California Constitution's equal protection clause.
4. In response to the backlash against Proposition 14, California lawmakers eventually passed new legislation aimed at combating housing discrimination and promoting fair housing practices.
5. Proposition 14 has been viewed as a turning point that highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions in California and underscored the ongoing struggles for civil rights.

Review Questions

• How did Proposition 14 reflect the social attitudes towards race and housing in California during the 1960s?
  • Proposition 14 illustrated a significant portion of California's population that was resistant to the changes brought about by the civil rights movement, particularly regarding racial integration in housing. The measure's overwhelming support indicated a willingness among many voters to maintain segregationist practices, reflecting deep-rooted social attitudes towards race. This backlash against fair housing legislation showed how contentious issues of race were during this era and set the stage for continued struggles in civil rights advocacy.
• Discuss the implications of Proposition 14 on later civil rights legislation and public policy in California.
  • The passage of Proposition 14 had far-reaching implications for civil rights legislation in California. It not only institutionalized racial discrimination in housing but also galvanized civil rights activists to intensify their efforts against such discriminatory practices. The pushback against Proposition 14 ultimately led to renewed political pressure on lawmakers to enact more robust anti-discrimination laws, contributing to advancements like the Fair Employment and Housing Act in 1980, which aimed to provide broader protections against discrimination.
• Evaluate the role of legal challenges following Proposition 14 and their impact on civil rights in California.
  • Legal challenges against Proposition 14 played a crucial role in shaping civil rights discourse in California. The Supreme Court's decision in 'Reitman v. Mulkey' invalidated the proposition, affirming that state-sanctioned discrimination was unconstitutional. This landmark ruling not only struck down Proposition 14 but also reinforced the necessity of equal protection under the law for all citizens. The aftermath of these legal battles contributed to an evolving understanding of civil rights and encouraged further legislative measures aimed at promoting equality and combating discrimination.

Related terms

Fair Housing Act: A federal law enacted in 1968 that prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Civil Rights Movement:

A social movement in the 1950s and 1960s aiming to end racial discrimination and promote equal rights for African Americans and other marginalized groups.

Redlining: A discriminatory practice where banks and insurance companies deny services to residents of certain areas based on racial or ethnic composition.