What significant change did the Supreme Court's decision in Jones vs. Mayer (1968) enact?

The Supreme Court's decision in Jones vs. Mayer (1968) was significant because it upheld the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. This act specifically prohibits racial discrimination in housing, and the Court's ruling clarified that such discrimination is not just a violation of federal law but is also enforceable in courts. The Court ruled that the federal statute unequivocally prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of property based on race, thereby reinforcing the legal foundation for equal housing rights.

This decision marked an important moment in the struggle against racial discrimination in housing, as it eliminated any potential loopholes or exceptions that had been previously considered. By upholding the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the ruling effectively confirmed that individuals have the right to purchase or rent housing without facing discrimination based on race, ensuring that these protections apply universally without exceptions.