Brown VS. Topeka Board of Education: The Effects of This Case

The court case of Brown Vs. Topeka Board of Education was an important step in the right direction for the equalization of African Americans in the United States. Behind the case there was a little girl who had to ride the bus for five miles while there was a school only four blocks away from her house. However she wasn't the only one. Many children were facing the same problems.

Linda Brown was one of many children denied the right to attend most public schools because she was African American. Before May 17 1945, African Americans had to live with separate facilities because of the "separate but equal" doctrine. After the court case threw out the "separate but equal" doctrine, stating that it was unconstitutional, an outbreak of opinions popped up. Some were appalled at the fact that African American children would be able to attend school with African American children, and other were grateful for the fact that all o f the children would have equal opportunities. Opinions were shared through newspapers and other media throughout the country.

Opinions aside, the Brown Vs. Topeka Board of Education ruling was important in the history of the United States. It led to the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965, ensuring everyone the same civil liberties. While many who fought for desegregation lost their jobs and were denied credit, many today believe that the decision was the right one. Parents of school age children prefer to send their children to schools where they will interact with others of varying backgrounds because it better prepares them for interacting with people of varying backgrounds later on in life. Their children learn how to interact and get along with people who are different than themselves. A child who learns early in life how to work with many different kinds of people is better off in the long run.

Diversity in schools also improves the learning experience for the students. The student may have higher aspirations. Seeing others do well may push them to set higher goals for themselves and make them thrive for excellence. As a result, they may experience a higher desire to live, work, and go to school in areas with varying ethnic and racial backgrounds.

The desegregation that the court case of Brown Vs. Topeka Board of Education created has been helpful in the equalization of African Americans in the United States. Despite the fact that many were punished for fighting for the changes, overall, it has had a positive affect. Students attending diverse schools have an advantage over less diverse schools. They become better prepared for the real world, in which they will have to interact with people of many different backgrounds.