The Equal Protection Clause is part of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1868. It states that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This clause is designed to ensure that individuals are treated equally and fairly under the law, regardless of their race, gender, or other characteristics. The Equal Protection Clause has been the foundation for many landmark Supreme Court cases, such as Brown v. Board of Education, which addressed racial segregation in schools. It plays a crucial role in civil rights legislation, helping to combat discrimination and promote equality in various aspects of society.