During the 20th century, the American educational system was confronted with segregation issues which saw many children being denied the opportunity to attend their preferred schools based on their race. In this period, the education system adopted a racially oriented and not student-centered structure. However, with time, the American education system witnessed a remarkable transformation process that was student-centered and inclusive. This paper examines the Brown v Board of Education case as a major turning point in the United States education system.
Just like progressivism advocated for continuous change in the school systems rather than being static. The case of Brown v Board of Education has greatly influenced the current education system. It has influenced the implementation of the k-12 system in public schools, which advocates for mandatory education for all, irrespective of color or race. Moreover, the United States is experiencing the emergence of new trends in the school system in regard to how schools teach and how children learn. It is witnessing a collaborative and inclusive system of education which has substantially helped the country to reduce the case of racism that has been a major problem in the country for more than a century. For instance, in comparison to the twentieth century, today’s educational path has transformed into collaborative learning. Various stakeholders have joined forces to change the educational system through research and student placements. The developing patterns indicate that school segregation has continued to reduce even as the number of minorities continues to increase.
The ruling in Brown versus Board of Education was constitutional since the judges found segregating children in public schools unlawful. The segregation deprived the students of equal education, violating the 14th amendment that advocates for equal protection of the laws to the citizens of the United States irrespective of color or race (Mattheis, 2020). Therefore, I agree with the decision of the court to use the principles of what is wrong and right to take into account the equality of opportunity that every individual deserves to be given. A child born with the color of skin out of their control should not be subjected to punishment or deprivation of education that those of other colors receive.
Furthermore, the natural law states that if a law or a clause is preventing society from interacting or being able to work together, then that law is unjust. This evokes other concerns like differences in education which later affect employment requirements (Wright & Pearson, 2017). For example, having an education from an institution of color would not be sufficient to convince an employer who needs an adequate education and well-trained individuals for specific tasks. In other words, this affects the future of work and employment in societies by restricting some races from doing particular jobs, a situation that disrupts natural law.
The verdict in Brown vs. Board of Education has had a monumental significance in American education. The integration of the education system has contributed to a robust and quality education structure in that the United States enjoys its fruits today. However, even with these benefits, some institutions still have not fully implemented this decision. For that reason, the United States government needs visionary leaders who can adjust and enforce these policies to the optimum to allow for continuity and progress in the education system.
Reference
Mattheis, A. (2020). Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. In Encyclopedia of Critical Whiteness Studies in Education. Brill.
Wright, B. F., & Pearson, S. A. (2017). American Interpretations of Natural Law: A Study in the History of Political Thought. Routledge.