05.15.15

Statement on the 61st Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education

 

WASHINGTON – Committee on Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), issued the following statement on 61st Anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education – Topeka, Kansas on May 17, 1954:

“As we commemorate the 61st anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision to desegregate our nation’s schools, we remember the reverberating impact the civil rights case had on our children, our communities and our nation.

“In the decision, Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote that "…it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if… denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right that must be made available on equal terms." This is the promise of Brown - equal educational opportunity for all children.

 

“Six decades later, our nation has made great strides to improving access to equitable opportunities. The graduation rate is at an all-time high and achievement gaps in reading and math are narrowing. 

 

“Despite this progress, there is still work to be done to ensure that we close the achievement gap for all of our children. The 61st anniversary of the decision offers us an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the challenge of achieving the promises envisioned by Brown. We know that all children—regardless of their background, their race, or their zip code—can succeed. By committing ourselves to ensuring that all students to have equal access to excellent teachers, schools, and resources, we can make good on that promise and guarantee that students receive the ultimate civil right—a quality education.”

 

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