President Joe Biden commemorated the 70th anniversary of the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling that desegregated schools, highlighting the broader significance of the decision beyond just race in education. Speaking at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, he emphasized that the ruling was about the promise of America being big enough for everyone to succeed. Biden stated that education is linked to freedom and the work of building a democracy starts with opening doors of opportunity for all. He also warned against efforts by Donald Trump and his allies to roll back progress made in advancing racial equity.
As part of his efforts to highlight his administration’s commitment to racial equity and Black voters, President Biden met with leaders of historically Black sororities and fraternities known as the “Divine Nine”. He also gave Black radio interviews in Atlanta and Milwaukee and is scheduled to deliver the commencement speech at Morehouse College in Atlanta, one of the historically Black colleges and universities. These actions come as Biden faces a decline in support among Black adults, with only 55% approving of his job performance according to a recent poll. The president is seeking to shore up his support within this critical voting bloc that played a key role in his 2020 victory.
During his speech at the museum, President Biden highlighted his administration’s investments in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including $16 billion in funding. He also mentioned forgiving $160 billion in student loan debt and allocating $50 million towards teacher diversity. While acknowledging that there is more work to be done, Biden criticized Trump and his allies for attempting to reverse the progress made and undermine fundamental freedoms such as the right to vote and choose. He emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for equality and denounced efforts to rewrite or erase history.
Despite the Brown decision that desegregated schools, American schools have been experiencing re-segregation in recent decades. In a more diverse society, around 4 out of 10 Black and Hispanic students attend schools where the majority of their classmates are students of color. This underscores the ongoing challenges and disparities in the education system that need to be addressed to ensure equal opportunities for all students. President Biden’s remarks highlight the continued importance of working towards racial equity and advancing educational opportunities for marginalized communities.
The significance of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling lies not only in desegregating schools but also in the larger ideals of building a fair and inclusive democracy. Education is seen as a key avenue to freedom and opportunity, and efforts to promote racial equity in education are essential for realizing the promise of America. As the country grapples with issues of re-segregation and disparities in the education system, it becomes imperative to address these challenges and work towards creating a more equitable and just society. President Biden’s commitments to investing in HBCUs, student loan forgiveness, and teacher diversity underscore the administration’s efforts to advance racial equity and provide equal opportunities for all students.
