Sykes Remarks on the 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education

Today, state Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) remarked on the legacy of the United States Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) on the 70th anniversary of the decision.

“70 years ago today, the US Supreme Court issued one the most monumental decisions in the history of our nation," Sykes said. “Racial segregation is an affront to the foundation of a fair, open, and democratic society. In affirming that segregation, particularly in public education, is unconstitutional, the court helped set our nation on a path towards fulfilling its promise of equality before the law and justice for all.”

“In the same moment we reflect on the progress brought on by this decision, we must also acknowledge its continued relevance,” Sykes continued. “Public education remains the most important duty of state government, particularly here in Ohio. As our state pushes sweeping changes to K-12 and higher education, continues to waver on funding universal pre-K, and invests untold sums into private vouchers, we cannot forget the fundamental truth recognized by the court in this ruling. It is our responsibility as elected leaders to ensure that all students in Ohio are provided with adequate and equal access to the high-quality public education they are entitled to by their constitutional and human rights.”

The original US Supreme Court ruling in this case can be found here.