This study examines the causal effects of US public accommodations laws. Contrary to widespread belief, evidence suggests these statutes may not always ensure positive outcomes for protected groups.

Data & Methods: Leveraging historical legal changes (1875 Civil Rights Act and Supreme Court ruling 1883) plus state variations. Analysis used panel data from medical examinations of US Colored Troops and weight trends in white veterans, employing difference-in-differences, geographic regression discontinuity, and placebo designs.

Key Findings: Estimates show that when public accommodations protections were removed at the federal level but remained absent at state levels, USCT veterans experienced significant weight loss — a potential indicator of improved well-being.

Implications: This suggests legal prohibitions against discrimination may have unintended negative consequences for protected populations.