What piece of legislation allowed many states to practice racial segregation?

Jim Crow laws allowed the states to practice racial segregation.

Jim Crow laws were created by state and federal government leaders who were white and prejudiced after the Civil War and the period known as Reconstruction.

These laws were enforced all over the United States and made it legal to segregate people by color in public spaces. Examples include public buildings, theaters, restaurants, buses and trains, schools, etceteras.

Jim Crow laws were in place and enforced until 1964-65.