What is "Anti-Discrimination" Doing to American Liberty?

September 25, 2024

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America’s anti-discrimination regime, established through laws like the 1964 Civil Rights Act, has evolved to address not only overt discrimination but also systemic inequalities and bias through concepts like disparate impact and harassment. While initially aimed at ensuring equal treatment for marginalized groups, the regime has expanded to include new moral teachings, such as prohibiting gender stereotypes. This evolution has been driven by various legal bodies, including the Supreme Court and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and has been accompanied by a shift in self-perception among members of marginalized groups. The resulting legal framework has created an ongoing debate and tension between the principles of liberal individualism and the demands for group equality.