What major legislation prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the major legislation that prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. This landmark legislation marked a significant turning point in the civil rights movement in the United States, addressing the pervasive discrimination and inequality that affected various minority groups. By establishing a legal framework for combating discrimination, the Act empowered individuals to seek justice against discriminatory practices in the workplace and other public arenas.

The law forbids employment discrimination in a range of workplaces and also provides a mechanism for enforcing these protections through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 extends beyond employment, as it also addressed issues in public accommodations, education, and federally funded programs, promoting broader equality across various facets of American society.

In contrast to the other legislative options, each of which addressed different aspects of civil rights or discrimination, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 specifically focuses on employment discrimination based on the specified criteria, highlighting its pivotal role in the fight for equal rights in the workplace.