In class, a variety of presentations were given on historically crucial events occurring throughout the start and evolution of the Civil Rights Movement. The mock trial that occurred covered the landmark Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education. This case argued and covered whether or not segregation in public education based on race violated the 14th Amendment, particularly the Equal Protection Clause. Throughout the presentation of both sides of the case, I was able to gain insight on the various views surrounding it and form a more educated opinion on the argument in question.
A variety of arguments resonated with me, but based on my original opinion, I felt that schools should be and should always have been integrated as it allows for a more positive and inclusive learning environment. There were arguments, however, made against the opinion I had previously formed that really stood out to me. For one, at the time, a majority of schools were primarily filled with white students, whether that be for lack of resources or other factors. It was argued that due to the idea that schools tend to be primarily white based, African American students feel more comfortable in an environment of peers of their own color. The feeling of being outnumbered, so to speak, raises questions and anxieties for students, a point supporting segregation in schools that I would not have ordinarily recognized.
Another important point that I was fascinated by during the presentation was the idea that students feel more comfortable with teachers of their own race. Similar to the idea of being surrounded by peers of the same color, I found this point to be interesting that there is a difference in feelings of students when being taught by teachers of another race. Those of the same race offer a feeling of safety and security, a feeling that was more often than not unable to be found in races other than your own during this time. While I still held the opinion that schools should be integrated, I was able to understand feeling more comfortable, especially African American students, being surrounded by peers and teachers of their own race. The stereotypes and feelings towards them at the time made it extremely difficult to be comfortable otherwise. While the idea behind segregation in schools is overall morally and ethically wrong, forcing students to be placed into uncomfortable environments benefits them all the same. In this case, little to none.
A point against segregated schools that I found interesting was that in saying “separate but equal”, that is not equal. Disparities and inequities surrounded the African American community even after introducing the “separate but equal” doctrine years ago surrounding Plessy v. Ferguson. With separate schools for white and African American students, it showed that white districts primarily had a significantly increased amount of resources and tools provided to them to succeed. This proved to be quite the opposite for districts for African American students. The idea behind having segregated schools also promotes and supports the idea to children, even at that young age, something that obviously only further created societal issues for people of color.
Though I still firmly believe in the integration of schools, I was able to understand the other side, the promoting of racial segregation a little more. I do not at all agree with it from a moral or ethical standpoint, but I can clearly see some aspects where it benefits African Americans, at least at that time. Even though it obviously took some time to get rid of segregation in public education, I think it was overall a very significant and crucial historical moment. Without it, I think progress towards advancement for colored people would have been greatly slowed and affected.
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