Supreme Court of the United States · 1964

Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States

Vote: 9-0Civil Rights

Congress can use the Commerce Clause to prohibit racial discrimination in private businesses.

Last verified: June 2026

Key Facts

Congress can use the Commerce Clause to prohibit racial discrimination in private businesses.

Upheld the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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Race can be a factor in college admissions but racial quotas are unconstitutional.