Civil Rights Act of 1866 (Section 1981)
This law, based upon the Thirteenth Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of slavery/involuntary servitude), provides basically that "All persons…shall have the same right…to make and enforce contracts, to sue, to be parties, give evidence, and to the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of persons and property as is enjoyed by white citizens…." This law covers racial/ethnic discrimination in private contractual relationships such as employment.