CEA Celebrates
Brown v. Board paved the way for 50 years worth of school integration and diversity as well as significant fairness and justice opportunities throughout our society.
Diversity TimelineWe support scores of leading decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court that shape school policies across the country.
School Integration TimelineAdditionally, our entire organization is committed to realizing the promise of Brown v. Board of Education.
CEA's Brown v. Topeka Board of Education Anniversary Project
Co-sponsored by NAACP, CEA and CDE
Curriculum and materials developed by Dr. Deanna MorrisonFifty Years Later... Is Education Equitable?
High school students across the State of Colorado will review and learn the issues in the Supreme Court decision of Davis v. the School Board of Prince Edward County. They will look at the challenges and price paid by individuals who sought to bring about change. The students will be asked to assess the quality of education they are now receiving, including assessing the condition of the buildings they occupy and overall instruction opportunities.
The project will have three focal points:
- Overall review of the Supreme Court decision with a focus on the Prince Edward County aspect of the case.
"In the matter of Davis v. the School Board of Prince Edward County, on April 23, 1951 students went on strike to protest conditions including overcrowding, holes in the floor, heating problems, lower pay scale for African American teachers. The existing building Morton High School was built to accommodate 180 students, but by its second year, there were 219 students enrolled. The school did not have a gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium, lockers or teacher restrooms. An old school bus and three structures that were called "tar paper shacks" were used as overflow classroom space. Students believing the deplorable conditions denied them equal education opportunities sought the assistance of the NAACP. Spottswood Robinson and Oliver Hill of the local NAACP filed the suit in Federal District Court on behalf of the 117 students. The three-judge panel rejected the students' argument."
- The (Fulfilled, Unfulfilled) Promise – "Equitable Schools"
Young people will be encouraged to hold hearings across the State of Colorado. The hearings will examine what the law promises for the purpose of comparing and contrasting how equitable schools are in their community, including the school they attend. At the end of the process they will provide a review and possible recommendations.
- 50 years Then and Now - "It's Their Future"
After considering the perception of the young people concerning the importance of education and the action taken by students against Prince Edward County School Board, action items will be compiled to address any finding that conclude that disparate school buildings exist. Also issues surrounding the existing learning gap, declining selection of electives or course offerings, large classroom size, and other issues they identify as affecting the quality of their learning environment.
The students will analyze what has transpired over the past 50 years and consider in what direction education is heading. Some 35-40 projects will be submitted to an expert panel of judges. The panel will judge all entries and select 5-8 finalists.
The finalists will present their projects to the panel in the CEA Board Room on May 17, which is the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Topeka Board of Education Supreme Court decision.
