The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment prohibits discrimination that results from which of the following?

• A. Private acts of discrimination
• B. Discrimination by government action
• C. All discrimination regardless of source
• D. Discrimination by private organizations only

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that the Equal Protection Clause constrains government action. It bars state actors from treating people differently without a valid, lawful reason, ensuring equal protection under the law. It does not automatically regulate private discrimination. So discrimination that stems purely from private conduct isn’t prohibited by the 14th Amendment unless there’s significant state involvement that makes it “state action.” That’s why the best answer is discrimination by government action. Private discrimination can be challenged under other laws, like the Civil Rights Act or the Fair Housing Act, but not simply because it’s private.