The Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, was a landmark piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, or national origin. This act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Civil Rights Act of 1968 was a significant step towards addressing housing discrimination and promoting fair housing opportunities for all Americans. It sought to end the practice of redlining, a discriminatory practice where banks and lending institutions refused to provide loans or financial services to certain neighborhoods based on the racial or ethnic composition of the residents.

The Act also aimed to address segregation and promote equal access to housing for minority populations, particularly African Americans who had long been excluded from certain neighborhoods and faced discrimination in the housing market. The Fair Housing Act was expanded in later years to include protections against discrimination based on gender, disability, and familial status.

Overall, the Civil Rights Act of 1968 played a crucial role in advancing the cause of civil rights in America and promoting greater equality and opportunity for all citizens, regardless of their race or background.