Southern school boards

Definition

Southern school boards were local governing bodies responsible for overseeing public education in the Southern United States, particularly during the era of segregation in the mid-20th century. These boards played a crucial role in maintaining racially segregated schools, enforcing policies that denied equal educational opportunities to African American students. Their actions and decisions were a significant focus during the early steps of the Civil Rights Movement, as activists sought to dismantle institutional racism in education.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Southern school boards operated under the 'separate but equal' doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson, which allowed them to create and maintain segregated schools.
2. The resistance of Southern school boards to integrate schools following the Brown v. Board of Education decision was a key element in the larger struggle for civil rights.
3. Many Southern school boards implemented policies like 'freedom of choice' plans that allowed parents to choose schools but effectively maintained segregation.
4. The actions of Southern school boards often led to protests and demonstrations by civil rights activists, who demanded equal access to quality education for African Americans.
5. Federal government intervention increased in the 1960s, as Southern school boards faced pressure to comply with desegregation mandates from court rulings and new legislation.

Review Questions

• How did Southern school boards contribute to the system of racial segregation in public education during the mid-20th century?
  • Southern school boards were instrumental in enforcing racial segregation in public education by creating policies that maintained separate schools for white and Black students. They operated under the 'separate but equal' doctrine, which was legally justified by Plessy v. Ferguson. These boards made decisions about funding and resources that favored white schools, ensuring that African American students received inferior education and facilities.
• Evaluate the impact of the Brown v. Board of Education decision on the actions of Southern school boards regarding school desegregation.
  • The Brown v. Board of Education decision had a profound impact on Southern school boards as it declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. However, many boards resisted implementing desegregation measures, often employing strategies like 'freedom of choice' plans that perpetuated segregation under the guise of allowing parental choice. This resistance sparked significant protests and activism within the Civil Rights Movement, as community leaders and citizens pushed for compliance with federal mandates.
• Assess the broader implications of Southern school board policies on the Civil Rights Movement and educational equity during the 1940s and 1950s.
  • The policies enacted by Southern school boards during this period had far-reaching implications for both the Civil Rights Movement and educational equity. Their steadfast adherence to segregation fueled protests and legal battles, ultimately galvanizing activists who fought for equal access to education. The struggle against these boards highlighted systemic racism within public institutions, leading to a national awareness of civil rights issues and prompting legislative changes like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that aimed to dismantle such inequities across all aspects of American life.

Related terms

Brown v. Board of Education:

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, challenging the legality of Southern school boards' policies.

Plessy v. Ferguson:

An 1896 Supreme Court case that established the 'separate but equal' doctrine, which provided legal justification for the segregation policies upheld by Southern school boards.

Civil Rights Act of 1964:

Legislation that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, impacting the operations of Southern school boards and enforcing desegregation.