Question

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 . . . are, by reason of the segregation complained of, deprived of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.

–Brown v. Board of Education

Inherently means “by its nature.”

A plaintiff is the person or party in a legal case that claims to have been harmed.

Which statement most closely summarizes the meaning of this passage?

Segregation is not acceptable if separate facilities are not equal.

It is not possible for separate educational facilities to be equal.

Segregation in public schools is acceptable, as long as it is voluntary.

Answer 1

"It is not possible for separate educational facilities to be equal."

This most closely matches the passage, which states separate facilities are inherently (by their nature) unequal and thus segregation violates equal protection.