A Community Action Guide: Seven Actions to Fulfill the Promise of Brown and Mendez

Overview & Synopsis

More than 50 years ago, in Brown vs. Board of Education, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that sending children to separate schools solely on the basis of race was unconstitutional. Seven years prior, the Supreme Court ruled in Mendez vs. Westminster and the California Board of Education that Mexican American children could not be denied access to public schools or a quality education because they were Mexican American. While these two decisions transformed the nature of U.S. public education, their objectives have not been fully met. Now, more than ever before, the importance of equity and excellence in education for all children is of paramount importance. This booklet details seven actions community members can take to help fulfill the promise of Brown vs. Board of Education and Mendez vs. Westminster in the education of African American and Latino students. It also includes a step-by-step tool for developing a blueprint for action in a local community. (Contains a list of resources.)