In 1954, 13 Topeka, Kansas parents and 20 school children had the courage to challenge an educational system dominated by racial segregation and inequality. The landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education struck down segregation in public schools.
But nearly six decades later, access to education for many of our nation’s children is still separate, and still very unequal.
Join the fight for educational justice and equity. Sign our pledge now.
The future success of our children rests on creating a pipeline of quality resources and opportunities from a child’s earliest years through higher education. It shouldn’t be determined by zip code, citizenship status, school-closings, over-testing or harsh discipline that have torn apart our neighborhoods.
On May 13, thousands will be rallying on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. to call on our nation’s leaders and policymakers to recommit to the vision of equity and opportunity embodied in that U.S. Supreme Court decision 60 years ago. Even from afar, you can join us by signing our pledge for educational justice.
Access to quality early learning and public schools creates strong communities. It’s up to all of us – parents, educators and students to take a stand together and reclaim the promise of public education to create the schools all of our children deserve.
This article was originally printed on SEIU on May 12, 2014. Reprinted with permission.
Author: Valarie Long, Executive Vice President, SEIU
