Civil Rights Act

The Civil Rights Act of 1991 is a U.S. law that amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It addressed the judicial theory of disparate impact, which allows challenges to employment practices that are neutral on their face but have a disproportionately negative effect on protected groups.1

The 1991 Act codified the disparate impact theory, superseding a Supreme Court ruling that required plaintiffs to prove practices were not business necessities. However, it also generally mandated that plaintiffs specifically identify the challenged business practices. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 itself aimed to end discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin, prohibiting segregation and discrimination in public accommodations and employment.123