Resolution of National School Boards Association Board of Directors
WHEREAS, Public education is essential to an informed citizenry, the foundation of our democratic society; and
WHEREAS, Access to a public education is the gateway to opportunity, our nation's promise to all; and
WHEREAS, A public education for every citizen regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, or economic circumstance is a fundamental civil right under our form of government; and
WHEREAS, On May 17, 1954, in a historic and unanimous decision, the United States Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education ruled that public education is subject to the equal protection provisions of the United States Constitution; and
WHEREAS, The Court based its decision in major part on the premise that to separate children according to their race was unfair, diminishing their hopes and their future aspirations; and
WHEREAS, The Court's pronouncement in Brown v. Board of Education validated the struggle and remarkable actions of countless Americans who challenged the destructive effects of segregation in our society though peaceful, lawful means; and
WHEREAS, The Court’s decision has had a profound, significant, and beneficial impact on all aspects of life in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Many areas of our nation are still struggling with how to remove the vestiges of segregation in education.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION in historic recognition that MAY 17, 2014 marks the 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LANDMARK U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION IN BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution is to further a nationwide appreciation for the advancement of democratic principles through our system of law and justice using the unanimous 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education as a touchstone; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED to inspire all of our nation’s children, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability or economic status, to appreciate the value of public education and public service as a means to further the objectives of democracy, justice and equality; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National School Boards Association encourages direct student participation through essays, creative arts, lectures, research and writing, community projects, and other activities to foster personal commitment to democracy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the contributions of civil rights leaders and volunteers, parents and students be recognized, for it is only through their courage, conviction and sacrifice that Brown v. Board of Education became a reality; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that on the date of May 17th our nation’s public schools are encouraged to mark the anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education with an appropriate ceremony and remembrance.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED on January 30, 2014.