Brown Vs Bd Of Education Essay, Research Paper

The Case

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____It was not until 1954 that the doctrine of “seperate but equal” was challenged. _In attempt to gain equal education opportunities for their children that were not provided for under the Plessy v. Fergusen decision, African-American community leaders took action against the segregation in America’s schools. _Aided by the local chapter of the NAACP, a group of thirteen parents filed a class action suit against the Board of Education of Topeka Schools.

Governor of Alabama George Wallace, one of the chief spokesmen for school segregation: “I draw the line in the dust and toss the gauntlet before the feet of tyranny and I say segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.” (Inaugural address, Jan. 14, 1963)

____On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in a unaminous decision that the “separate but equal” clause was unconsitutional because it violated the children’s 14 amendment rights by separating them solely on the classification of the color of their skin. _Chief Justice Warren delivered the court’s opinion, stating that “segregated schools are not equal and cannot be made equal, and hence they are deprived of the equal protection of the laws.”_ This ruling in favor of integration was one of the most significant strides America has taken in favor of civil liberties.

U. S. Supreme Court Decision (1.12 MB .wav)