The Ku Klux Klan Act, also known as the Civil Rights Act of 1871, was enacted on April 20, 1871. It was the last of three Enforcement Acts passed to protect the civil and political rights of American citizens during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. The act was a direct response to the widespread violence and intimidation tactics employed by white supremacist vigilantes to suppress Black voters and undermine Reconstruction efforts.

Although some of the act's provisions have been repealed or struck down by the Supreme Court, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 remains a powerful tool for protecting civil rights in the United States. Vigilantes operating under the color of law are made personally liable to parties they “deprive of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws.” That hasn’t stopped public servants and elected officials from using the same tired takkktics of hate groups.

Weaponized bias didn’t die with the Klan, it’s making a comeback.

Each of the Klan Mas and Klan Pas below have gone out of their way to silence military civil rights activism under the guise of clutching their pearls, either by weaponizing law enforcement or refusing to do their Constitutionally mandated job, or both. But by hiding their bigotry behind performative anxiety, they wrap their hands around someone else’s neck. Click an image below to read more about the individual pictured, arranged chronologically by the date of their offense. This is not a comprehensive list.