Final answer:
Joanna is acting contra to state law and in violation of the Reconstruction Civil Rights Acts, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, by discriminating against Peter, which is Illegal under federal law and could lead to penalties enforced by the EEOC.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the post-Civil War statutes, or the Reconstruction Civil Rights Acts, Joanna is acting contra to state law by illegally discriminating against Peter when performing her duties.
This is in violation of the letter and spirit of the Civil Rights Acts that were passed in an effort to end discriminatory practices. Specifically, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is a landmark piece of civil rights legislation, outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and it was established to ensure equal treatment under the law, particularly regarding employment practices.
Given this context, any government employee like Joanna, who contravenes these principles by engaging in illegal discriminatory actions, would be in violation of federal law and could be subject to penalties, including legal action taken by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).