Title VII is viewed as one of the most effective and influential tools used to fight discrimination in today's work environment. It was originally drafted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and since that time it has continued to grow and develop as society continues to change and evolve. The legislation included in Title VII legally protects employees from various forms of discrimination, while setting the standard as to what we should strive to achieve as organizational beings. In this paper I will outline the origin and evolution of Title VII since its original conception. I will also discuss the impact that Title VII has had on the workplace, as well as who is protected by the laws and what employers can do to protect themselves against Title VII violations.
Origin and Evolution of Title VII.
According to our text, Title VII was originally drafted in large part because of the presence of racial discrimination in the early 1960's and before. Prior to Title VII, there was an abundance of laws segregating blacks and whites. It is astonishing now to examine that less than 50 years ago in many parts of the country, blacks and whites ate in separate restaurants, were treated in separate hospitals, and were even buried in separate cemeteries. It is no wonder Congress finally saw the need to install some legislation counteracting discrimination.
This legislation came in the form of the 1964 Civil Rights act, following the March on Washington in late 1963. Within the legislation of the Civil Rights Act was Title VII, which was considered to be the "employment" section of the act. In relation to employment, Title VII protected individuals against discrimination due to "race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Many felt that this section was the most important of all the legislation for the simple reason that employment has widespread implications and consequences throughout all facets of life.