Week 37: Brown vs. Board of Education

Diversity is any kind of variety that makes our world a better place.

Diversity as we know it would not exist in our schools today were it not for a landmark Supreme Court ruling that was handed down this week in 1954. The case of course was “Brown vs. Board of Education.”

Today, we often hear about how our country has become politically polarized—that on the most difficult issues, we aren’t able to find agreement as we have in the past. Difficult Supreme Court decisions of late have frequently been decided by a 5 to 4 vote.

“Brown vs. Board” was ultimately decided by a 9 to 0 vote—but that unanimous vote didn’t come about easily. There were two justices who were inclined to vote against the ruling. But Chief Justice Earl Warren felt that the issue was so important, a 7 to 2 victory would not be acceptable. Considerable time and effort were exerted (including a re-argument of the case) in order to finally win over the last two votes.

Remember, you don’t have to travel as far as the Supreme Court in Washington, DC to find diversity. There are hundreds of opportunities to celebrate diversity right here at your own school. Find one today!