Unanimous Majority Opinion, Brown v. Board of Education, 1954

Question

In approaching this problem, we cannot turn the clock back to 1868 when the [Fourteenth] Amendment was adopted, or even to 1896 when Plessy v. Ferguson was written. We must consider public education in the light of its full development and its present place in American life throughout the Nation. Only in this way can it be determined if segregation in public schools deprives these plaintiffs of the equal protection of the laws.



Today, education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments. …In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms….

To separate [students] 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 to ever be undone. …Whatever may have been the extent of psychological knowledge at the time of Plessy v. Ferguson, this finding is amply supported by modern authority.…



We conclude that in the field of public education the doctrine of “separate but equal” has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Therefore, we hold that the plaintiffs and others similarly situated … are, by reason of the segregation complained of, deprived of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.

Question
How did the Brown decision overturn Plessy v. Ferguson?

Answer 1

The Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954 fundamentally overturned the precedent established by Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) by declaring that the doctrine of "separate but equal" was inherently flawed, particularly in the context of public education.

1. Rejection of "Separate but Equal": Plessy v. Ferguson upheld the legality of racial segregation as long as the separate facilities were deemed equal. However, the Brown decision explicitly stated that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal, thereby rejecting the legitimacy of the "separate but equal" doctrine as it applied to public education. The ruling emphasized that segregation in education created a sense of inferiority among Black students, which had long-term negative impacts on their development and societal status.

2. Consideration of Modern Context: While Plessy was based on the legal context and societal attitudes of the late 19th century, the Brown decision acknowledged the evolution of public education and its critical role in American life. The Court argued that segregation could no longer be justified in light of contemporary understandings of equality and the importance of education for success in society.

3. Psychological Impact: The Brown decision introduced evidence from modern psychological research to support its conclusions, highlighting the detrimental effects of segregation on the mental and emotional well-being of Black children. This consideration of psychological and social factors provided a more comprehensive basis for deeming segregation harmful, differentiating it from the primarily legalistic rationale of Plessy.

4. Civil Rights Context: The Brown ruling also aligned with the growing civil rights movement in the United States, reflecting a shift in societal values towards greater acceptance of racial equality and justice. It acknowledged that the perpetuation of segregation was incompatible with the principles of the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.

In summary, Brown v. Board of Education overturned Plessy v. Ferguson by rejecting the "separate but equal" doctrine, addressing the psychological and societal impacts of segregation, and considering the contemporary context of public education as a right that must be equally accessible to all children, regardless of race.