Asked by b

Read the following scenario.

Jacob Smith is an African American man in his fifties. He heads to a local restaurant for dinner and is told by the hostess that he is going to have to sit on "that side” of the establishment, as she gestures to a part of the restaurant where only other African Americans are sitting. Mr. Smith feels offended and leaves the restaurant.

Based on passage of the Civil Rights Act, what is Mr. Smith’s best recourse?

calling the police to arrest the restaurant owner and investigate any violations of local law
contacting the US Justice Department about filing a potential discrimination lawsuit
demanding that the restaurant’s manager stop segregating customers immediately
asking the US Census Bureau to send him data on dining among restaurants in the area

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Contact the U.S. Department of Justice about filing a discrimination complaint / lawsuit.

Reason: Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bars racial discrimination by places of public accommodation (including restaurants). The DOJ can investigate and bring enforcement suits, and an aggrieved individual may also bring a private civil action (or complain to a state/local civil‑rights agency or attorney general). Calling police or asking the Census Bureau would not be the proper remedy; merely “demanding” the manager stop may not provide a legal remedy or redress.