Brown v. Board of Education
Music
The US Supreme Court's decision in the case of Brown versus Board of Education on May 17, 1954, declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.
Background and Lead Plaintiff
- Oliver Brown sued the Topeka, Kansas Board of Education on behalf of his daughter Linda, a black student. Despite living near an elementary school, Linda was denied enrollment due to segregation policies.
Legal Argument and Decision
- Thurgood Marshall represented Brown in court, arguing that segregated schools were detrimental to black children. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of Brown, deeming separate educational facilities inherently unequal.
Chief Justice's Declaration