WASHINGTON, DC - Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement on the 60^th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling which was delivered on May 17, 1954:

“Tomorrow marks six decades after the U.S. Supreme Court declared separate schools for black and white children unconstitutional. This landmark decision affirmed that the notion of “separate but equal” was a fallacy, as students of color in segregated schools were subject to inferior education, facilities and tools, as well as  treatment as second-class citizens in their own communities.

"The impact of the change that followed the Brown v. Board decision provided educational opportunities far beyond the subjects commonly taught in schools. This decision helped students and their families understand that their similarities were much deeper and more significant than the differences in their skin tone, and contributed to propelling the diverse coalition of America’s Civil Rights Movement forward.

"However, we must not forget that 60 years after the Brown v. Board decision, many of our communities have reverted to segregated classrooms,where more than half to nearly 90% of students are of one racial or socioeconomic background. Though segregation is no longer legal, years of institutional racism and structural barriers have countered the positive effect the Brown v. Board decision had on our nation. The racial achievement gap continues to widen with dire economic consequences for communities of color and for our country. Students are relegated to experiences and interactions with peers who are just like them, and have little exposure to the opportunities that come with learning about the world and the great variety of people who live in it. We must work to counter this negative trend.

"As we reflect on Brown v. Board tomorrow, and the numerous personal sacrifices individuals made during the implementation of this monumental decision, let us also recommit to making the tough decisions and doing the work necessary to achieve true equity in education and equality in our schools.”

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