The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988 was a significant piece of legislation championed by the United States Congress to enhance civil rights protections for minorities, including Black Americans. The Act aimed to overturn a Supreme Court decision, Grove City College v. Bell, which had severely restricted the scope of civil rights protections under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Act sought to expand the reach of civil rights laws to cover all programs and activities of institutions that receive federal funding, regardless of whether the specific program receiving the funding was directly related to the discrimination in question. This was important in safeguarding the civil rights of students, employees, and other individuals impacted by discriminatory practices in federally funded institutions.

By restoring and strengthening civil rights protections, the Civil Rights Restoration Act sought to ensure equal opportunities and protection against discrimination for all individuals, especially Black Americans who have historically faced systemic racism and barriers to equality. This legislation played a crucial role in advancing the cause of civil rights and promoting social justice in the United States.