(Washington, D.C.) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), along with Representatives Frederica Wilson (D-FL) and Lynn Jenkins (R-KS), introduced legislation marking the 60th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. (See attached legislation)

“The decision in Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark decision for the civil rights movement and a turning point for our nation,” said Hastings. “Brown overturned 58 years of a ‘separate but equal’ policy established in Plessy v. Ferguson that was anything but equal. Because of this decision, access to public facilities can never again be denied on the basis of race.”

“While the battle over segregation continued for many years afterward, and our nation still today has many civil rights issues to address, Brown remains a moment of historical significance that ushered our country to contemporary standards of humanity and compassion,” further noted Hastings.

“As we mark the 60th anniversary of the historic U.S. Supreme Court Brown v. Board of Education decision that ended racially-segregated public schools – a major victory in the civil rights movement – it is my hope that the resolution Congressman Hastings, Congresswoman Jenkins and I have introduced commemorating the anniversary will be a clarion call to Congress to increase overall investments in education,” said Wilson.

“As a former school teacher, principal, Miami-Dade County School Board Member and now a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I am committed to fighting for results-yielding programs and policies that address high school drop-out rates, failing schools, underpaid teachers, a lack of qualified teachers, and rising college tuition costs that threaten the production of a well-educated, well-trained workforce and threaten our place as a leader in the global economy.”

“Brown v. Board of Education was a major turning point in U.S. history and gave us hope that every child would have an opportunity to succeed. Let us not fail our children. Let us commemorate Brown v. Board of Education by making education and our children’s future a priority,” further noted Wilson.

“As Kansans, we remember those who fought to end racial segregation in our public schools and most especially, Reverend Oliver L. Brown and his family who were the champions in this cause to move our nation forward,” said Jenkins.  “We all will be forever indebted to them for their willingness to stand up for what was right, and fulfill the promise of the abolitionist founding of our state. These are the types of leaders that provide an example for all Americans on the value of public service.”

“While I am saddened that the injustices of the past required it, as a Kansan I am proud of the legacy of the Brown decision. Today, I have joined Congressman Alcee Hastings (FL-20) and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) to introduce a resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.  It is our hope that through passage of this resolution, we can remember that issues that have divided can be resolved and we can truly accomplish a more just nation,” further noted Jenkins.    

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