Brown v. Board of Education Reaction Post

    The Brown v. The Board of Education was a case where four states including Kansas contained state wise laws in which schools must be "Separate but Equal." Brown challenges the concept of "Separate but Equal," claiming that it is unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

    The arguments made by Brown's side emphasized the transformative power of integration. Evidence is presented that integration allows students to feel accepted in an environment, continues to improve academic outcomes, and leads to better future opportunities for all students. Alyson Sojak claims, " African Americans should not receive any less of an education because of the facilities they are forced to be in." Not only this, but there has been apparent evidence that integration has reduced dropout rates among African American students, leading to more students finishing their degrees and becoming valued in society. Kaitlyn Parker announces, "Children in integrated schools have higher incomes as adults, better health outcomes and lower incarceration rates."

    However the Board of Education offers a nuanced perspective, focusing on the logistical and societal challenges that come with a forced integration. They argued that most funding for schools come around surrounded white communities who continue to pay taxes in order to keep their schools up to code. Justin Surratt goes on to say, " In order for Blacks to have 'Equal facilities,' they need to pull their weight and pay their fair share of tax money in order to build their schools up just as their white counterparts have." The reliance on Black Wall Street is used as an example of African American communities thriving without integration, and also serves as an illustration of economic growth throughout Black homes.

    The Board also highlights valid concerns about the potential backlash and violence that would most likely come with a forced integration. Camerin Williams brings up an important piece of information,  stating that "The idea that negro students would be prepared to thrive in the white education system is simply unrealistic." Integration could create a hostile environment that Black students may not be ready to adapt to. Before we can think about educational reform, we need to focus on more broader societal change beforehand. 

    Brown v. The Board of Education was not only a legal battle, but a moral one.  While the challenges of integration was ver apparent, there was still hope and a vision for the future where every child, regardless of the color of their skin, could have equal opportunities.