CHC ON 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION
Washington, DC- Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15), and Members of the CHC released the following statement on tomorrow's 60th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision.
"We have come a long way since the Brown v. Board of Education decision sixty years ago. This historic case was impacted eight years before by the Mendez v. Westminster case, which declared the segregation of Mexican-American children unconstitutional. On this sixtieth anniversary of Brown, let us reaffirm our commitment to civil rights, education, and our nation's children," said CHC Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15).
“As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we have the opportunity to reflect on the Supreme Court’s decision, on those who struggled for the victory, and on the impact of the progress made over the last sixty years. In celebrating the success, however, we cannot turn away from the challenges that remain. Rather, we must stand on the shoulders of the landmark decision and continue to fight for equal opportunity in education. Today, segregation is still widespread in America's schools. With all the challenges ahead and with our nation’s shifting demographics, we must come together to work to ensure that every student can receive a quality education and has a fair shot at the American Dream,” said CHC First Vice Chair Ben Ray Luján (NM-03).
“Today is a day to honor the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education, and to recognize the work that we still must do in order to realize the full promise of this landmark civil rights case. By ruling that segregated school facilities were unconstitutional, the Supreme Court opened the door to a fairer education for all of America’s children, regardless of their race, creed, or color. However, 60 years after the Brown decision, we still face inequities in our education system that are not erased simply by building new facilities. It falls to us to finish the work of making our schools truly equal, so that every student enjoys the same basic right – the right to a first-class education,” said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40).
“Tomorrow marks the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education – a defining moment in history breaking barriers and reuniting Americas public. This landmark decision reaffirmed what this nation was built on – equal opportunity for all. It is that theme that we must live by as we continue to build this great nation. We must continue to foster those links for the progress of our community, nation, and future generations. Today, tomorrow, and always, we must remember the suffering and tribulations, as well as the commitments and triumphs, endured by so many and remind ourselves that it is our responsibility to promote and solidify justice and opportunity for all, regardless of race, color, or creed,” said Congressman Joe Garcia (FL-26).