Brown v. Board of Education

( 1954 ) Commentary by Robert Cottroll, George Washington University

“In approaching this problem, we cannot turn the clock back to 1868, when the Amendment was adopted, or even to 1896, when Plessy v. Ferguson was written.” - Chief Justice Earl Warren, Majority Opinion
“Today, education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments.” - Chief Justice Earl Warren, Majority Opinion
“Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.” - Chief Justice Earl Warren, Majority Opinion
“To separate them from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone.” - Chief Justice Earl Warren, Majority Opinion
“Whatever may have been the extent of psychological knowledge at the time of Plessy v. Ferguson, this finding is amply supported by modern authority.” - Chief Justice Earl Warren, Majority Opinion
“We conclude that, in the field of public education, the doctrine of ‘separate but equal' has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” - Chief Justice Earl Warren, Majority Opinion

Brown v. Board of Education (National Archives and Records Administration)

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