| "Our
constitution is color-blind, and neither knows
nor tolerates classes among citizens. . . .
"The
destinies of the two races, in this country,
are indissolubly linked together, and the
interests of both require that the common
government of all shall not permit the seeds
of race hate to be planted under the sanction
of law. What can more certainly arouse race
hate, what more certainly create and perpetuate
a feeling of distrust between these races,
than state enactments which, in fact, proceed
on the ground that colored citizens are so
inferior and degraded that they cannot be
allowed to sit in public coaches occupied
by white citizens? That, as all will admit,
is the real meaning of such legislation as
was enacted in Louisiana."
|
Today,
education is perhaps the most important function
of state and local governments. . . . 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 [children in grade and high schools]
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. . . .
"We
conclude that in the field of public education
the doctrine of "separate but equal"
has no place. Separate education facilities
are inherently unequal."
|
