Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Rosie Jayde Uyola
- May 15
- 3 min read
Dr. Rosie Jayde Uyola
Course: U.S. History (Grade 9)
Student-Facing Learning Objectives
Students will:
Analyze primary sources to understand how the Civil Rights Act of 1964 sought to end segregation and discrimination.
Evaluate how effectively federal legislation addressed racial inequalities.
Reflect on the ways laws can impact personal experiences and societal opportunities.
NYC DOE Social Studies Standards
11.10a.3 (Civil Rights Judicial & Legislative Achievements)
RH1, RH3, WHST2
Minute-by-Minute Lesson Script
Today’s lesson focuses on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Our guiding question is: How did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 aim to eliminate racial discrimination, and what challenges did it face? Keep this question in mind as we start.
0:02–0:07 | Bard College Writing & Thinking Free Write
In your notebooks, thoughtfully respond to this question: Why do you think the government should -- or should not -- play a role in preventing discrimination in society? Provide specific examples to support your thinking. You have 5 minutes.
0:09–0:10 | Primary Source Instructions
Teacher distributes clearly printed primary sources and annotation guides. You have two detailed primary sources today. Annotate them carefully, using the provided sentence starters. Look closely at each author's arguments and the impact they believed this law would have.
Handout: Primary Sources
Source A: Excerpt from Civil Rights Act (1964)
All persons shall be entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of goods, services, facilities, privileges, and accommodations without discrimination or segregation based on race, color, religion, or national origin. The Attorney General may take civil action against discriminatory practices in public accommodations. This act declares the inherent wrongness of racial discrimination. No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal assistance.
Source B: President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Speech at Signing of Civil Rights Act (1964)
We believe that all men are created equal, yet many are denied equal treatment. This legislation seeks to bridge the gap between our promises of liberty and our present realities. Its purpose is not to punish but to guide us to justice. It seeks not to divide us, but to unite us. Let us lay aside irrelevant differences and make our nation whole. Through this Act, we affirm that equality is not a privilege reserved for some but a right guaranteed to all. The Civil Rights Act is now the law of the land, and together we shall enforce it vigorously.
0:10–0:20 | Primary Source Analysis & Annotation Teacher
What actions against discrimination does this law enable?
Why does President Johnson see this act as essential for justice?
How does this law reflect American ideals?
(Students annotate deeply, discuss with group members.)
0:20–0:25 | Group Thesis Development
In your groups, create one clear, unified thesis answering explicitly: What made the Civil Rights Act of 1964 critical to civil rights progress, and why did achieving full equality remain challenging? Support your thesis carefully with evidence.
(Groups collaboratively write thesis statements)
0:25–0:30 | Whole-Class Discussion
Group one, share your thesis clearly. Class, listen closely and respectfully challenge or support using evidence from our sources. (Teacher moderates a rigorous student-led discussion.)
0:30–0:33 | Individual Reflection
In your notebooks, clearly respond: How did analyzing today’s sources change or deepen your understanding of how laws shape society and personal experience? Use specific evidence.
(Students write thoughtfully.)
0:33–0:35 | Creative Closure & Exit Ticket
On your sticky-note exit ticket, complete this sentence thoughtfully: If I had been in the audience when President Johnson signed this law, I would have told him… (Students write exit tickets and post them clearly.)
Tomorrow, we'll explore how Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X differed in their visions for achieving justice.
