May 21, 2014
By Stephanie West
Washington, DC – In cities across the country, AFT members took part in events on May 17 marking the 60th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that desegregated public schools.
AFT President Randi Weingarten participated in activities in Topeka, Kan., the city where the Brown case originated.
"The decision 60 years ago was a moral and legal imperative, but today we have segregated schools based on poverty," Weingarten said. "The legacy of Brown v. Board of Education is to create the opportunities in our public schools so that all kids, of all races and income levels, can succeed."
"Today's moral imperative is to give our kids a great public education system by fixing—not closing—neighborhood public schools," said Weingarten. "All kids need safe, welcoming neighborhood schools that offer an engaging, well-rounded curriculum that includes art and music, expanded early childhood education programs, resources and support for teachers, and wraparound services provided in schools to help disadvantaged kids and families overcome the effects of poverty."
