Equal Protection Clause
The clause, which took effect in 1868, provides that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction "the equal protection of the laws". It is a part of the 14th amendment of the Constitution. It requires states to treat their citizens equally. Advocates often use it to combat discriminatory laws, policies, and government actions. This clause invalidate policies such as racial segregation in public schools and the denial of voting rights to African-Americans. The equal protection clause extends to protect the rights of other groups such as immigrants and ethnic minorities. The laws of a state must treat an individual in the same manner as other people in similar conditions and circumstances. A violation would occur, for example, if a state prohibited an individual from entering into an employment contract because he or she was a member of a particular race.