Library of Congress
Interview with Robert Carter, Washington University Repository
Separate but Equal:
Brown v. Board of Education and
the Desegregation Debate
Consequences
Short-Term
Failures
Despite the ruling, setbacks persisted. The LDF filed for Brown II and schools were ordered to integrate with “all deliberate speed”. This enabled schools to fail to integrate. Additionally, black educators were dismissed. Many segregationists attacked black students to discourage enrollment.
"In addition to legal and legislative resistance, the white population of the southern United States mobilized en masse to nullify the Supreme Court’s decree. In states across the South, whites set up private academies to educate their children, at first using public funds to support the attendance of their children in these segregated facilities, until the use of public funds was successfully challenged in court. In other instances, segregationists tried to intimidate black families by threats of violence and economic reprisals against plaintiffs in local cases." - NAACP LDF
Library of Congress
Indiana University
Wasghington Area Spark
Due to the present uncertainty about enrollment next year in schools for Negro children, it is not possible at this time to offer you employment for the next year. If the Supreme Court should rule that segregation in the elementary grades is unconstitutional, our Board will proceed on the assumption that the majority of people in Topeka will not want to employ Negro teachers next year for white children. It is necessary for me to notify you now that your services will not be needed for next year. This is in compliance with the continuing contract law.
- Wendell Godwin
The Ecologist
Topeka Journal
Successes
Many integrations were successful and benefited black students. Brown served as legal precedent to support the continued dismantling of racist structures. It also inspired the black community to continue debating unjust laws.
"The legal victory in Brown did not transform the country overnight, and much work remains. But striking down segregation in the nation’s public schools provided a major catalyst for the civil rights movement, making possible advances in desegregating housing, public accommodations, and institutions of higher education." - NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Balitmore Sun
Library of Congress
Long-Term
The use of debate and diplomacy to achieve the landmark Brown ruling resulted in the mass integration of American schools today. Disparities in education still remain, due to underfunded schools in predominantly black areas. However, black academic achievement has vastly improved. Brown provided opportunities and paved the way for accessible education.
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty Images
The Brown ruling debated discriminatory educational practices and, through diplomacy, successfully became a hallmark of equality. It reminds us that we have the power to change our world with words.