MAY 17, 2023
2024 marks the 70th anniversary of one of the most notable civil rights cases in our nation’s history, Brown v. Board of Education. The landmark U.S Supreme Court decision declared that “separate but equal” was unconstitutional and abolished racially segregated public education.
However, we are all aware that the goal of full integration of public schools following the ruling has not been achieved. The legal victory did not elicit immediate transformation and the goal of desegregation faced massive resistance. Even today, 70 years later, much work remains. While we celebrate the legacy of Brown, we continue our efforts to improve access, equity, and educational opportunities within our schools.
We have seen progress, but our schools continue to be separated by race and class highlighting the need to continue our push for educational justice for all. SPAN supports the legal actions taken by the Education Law Center in lawsuits aimed at challenging the intense school segregation found in communities across New Jersey. We know that providing students with the opportunity to learn among diverse peers is critical not only for their development but also for the success of our communities.
We also support the actions taken today by the Biden administration which include the release of additional funding and resources to support school diversity and advance the goal that all students have access to a world-class education.
SPAN is an organization rooted in social justice and in supporting equity and access for every student, especially those who may be marginalized or undervalued. With the addition of our New Jersey Family Engagement Hub project, we’re able to increase our efforts to support the success of ALL students in NJ, expanding our longstanding goal to support the rights of students with disabilities and special healthcare needs. The Brown ruling reminds us of the critical importance of this mission and of the fragile nature of progress.
Learn more about the lawsuits challenging school segregation.
Read about the Biden administration’s new actions to support school diversity.
Discover the NJ Family Engagement Hub.
With thanks for your ongoing support,
Executive Director
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