Learn About Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed to guarantee voting rights to all and made the discrimination of individuals on the basis of their race at their workplace, schools and in public accommodations illegal. The passing of this bill is considered to be landmark legislation in the history of the United States.

Following the implementation of the Act, its impact had been felt far and wide. The implementation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 meant that the Jim Crow laws, that called for “separate but equal status” for the community of the Black Americans, in the southern parts of USA were now considered to be invalid. Title VII, the Civil Rights of Act of 1964 is codified as Subchapter VI, Chapter 21 of 42 U.S.C. § 2000e. It also prohibits the discrimination of an individual for his or her connections with individuals of other race, religion, sex or national origin.

Contents of the Title VII of the Civil Rights of Act of 1964

The enactment of the law had far reaching consequences as far as employment practices were concerned. As per SEC. 2000e-2. [Section 703] section of the statute, it would be considered illegal on part of the employer to refuse employment or to compromise on the conditions of employment, wages and other privileges on the grounds of an individual’s religion, race, sex, color or national origin. Also it would be considered unlawful if an applicant or an employee is discriminated in a way that tends to affect his or her professional status on the basis of the above mentioned grounds. Similar legalities are also applicable for employment agencies.

The only exception to the rule can be made on the basis of a bonafide occupational qualification. In such a case the employer has to provide evidence that direct that the bonafide occupational qualification is linked to the objective of the business of the employer, that there is a relationship between the gender of the individual and his or her capability to accomplish the task and in cases where there was no other alternative left but to do away with the services of the individual in question.

Title VII, the Civil Rights of Act of 1964 also makes exceptions in case of four categories of employers. These include

• The Native American tribes that have been accepted by the federal government

• Bonafide non-profit private membership organizations

• The federal government

• Religious groups that are involved with various groups, for example educational institutions

SEC. 2000e-10. [Section 711] of the Title VII states that an employment agency, an employer or even a labor organization would keep its applicants or employees regularly posted that refer to any changes in this subchapter and also information concerning a complaint. Violation of this decree is punishable and the fine imposed can be $100 for each instance of violation. SEC. 2000e-9. [Section 710] concerns the investigations and  hearing laws in cases of violation.

Access to Information

You can get more information about the law by accessing the website of US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/titlevii.cfm.