Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) said the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education ruling striking down racial segregation in schools should reinvigorate the school-choice movement.
“As we mark the 60th anniversary of the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision, we pause and remember its impact on our nation’s education system. It plainly said that the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ had no place in education and that every child, regardless of race, must have access to a quality education. The May 17th decision sparked new activism, engagement and action in the ongoing Civil Rights Movement,” Scott said in a statement.
“Our nation is indebted to the parents, community members, organizations and attorneys involved in the various cases resulting in Brown vs. Board. I think specifically about the parent and their determination to demand more for their children. They are an inspiration,” the senator continued.
“Today, we also remember that education is one of the strongest opportunities that too many children trapped in chronically failing schools are denied. I hope this anniversary reminds everyone to recommit themselves to the vital work of providing true opportunity to all, regardless of background.”
Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) said that tenets of the original decision were being threatened by affirmative action rulings.
“As we remember this great achievement, we must keep in mind recent shifts in jurisprudence that may drastically affect the social, economic, and political landscape between races in America. In two recent decisions, Shelby County v. Holder (2013) and Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action (2014), the Supreme Court undid much of our nation’s progress, despite precedence and recorded acknowledgement of the inequalities and inequities that minorities have endured,” Hastings said.
“Let us build upon Brown and commit ourselves to ensuring equality for all Americans,” he added.
President Obama said the anniversary was a day to “recommit ourselves to the long struggle to stamp out bigotry and racism in all their forms.”
“We reaffirm our belief that all children deserve an education worthy of their promise. And we remember that change did not come overnight – that it took many years and a nationwide movement to fully realize the dream of civil rights for all of God’s children,” Obama said in a statement. “We will never forget the men, women, and children who took extraordinary risks in order to make our country more fair and more free. Today, it falls on us to honor their legacy by taking our place in their march, and doing our part to perfect the union we love.”
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