Separate But Equal
Separate But Equal
D. ESTEVEZ
Can it be true?
1892: Homer Plessy (1/8 Black) arrested for seating in 1st class
section.
Takes his case to the Supreme Court after losing twice in lower
courts.
The verdict.
A 7-1 decision in favor of Ferguson and approved the separate but equal
clause. The Constitution did not prohibit segregation of all facilities were
qualitatively equal.
Linda Brown was forced to walk to an all-Black school, even though there was
a much closer all-White school closer to her home.
Browns took case to the Supreme Court because they believed it violated the
14th amendment.
The verdict
Today, education is perhaps the most important function of state and local
governments. Compulsory school attendance laws and the great expenditures for
education both demonstrate our recognition of the importance of education to our
democratic society. It is required in the performance of our most basic public
responsibilities, even service in the armed forces. It is the very foundation of good
citizenship. Today it is the principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural
values, in preparing him for later professional training, and in helping him to adjust
normally in his environment. In these days, it is doubtful that any child may
reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an
education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a
right which must be made available to all on equal terms.
Chief Justice Warren, May 17, 1954.
Unanimous decision in favor f the Brown family. The desegregation of schools was
with all deliberate speed.
The Outcomes
Imprisonment rates
Women's rights?
Minorities?
LGBTQ Community?