Mitch Landrieu: “50 years ago, our Nation set out to give every child the chance for excellence and equality in education. In a quote…”

“50 years ago, our Nation set out to give every child the chance for excellence and equality in education. In a quote from the Brown decision in 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court said, ``Today education is perhaps the most important function of State and local governments . . . It is a principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values, in preparing him for later professional training, and in helping him to adjust normally to his environment. In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the State has undertaken to provide it, is a right, which must be made available to all on equal terms.'' We have made great progress in the past 50 years but we still have a long way to go. By fulfilling the promise of Brown, school systems have the ability to lay a great foundation for our Nation. Providing children with a high quality education, in a diverse classroom setting, gives our children the educational tools which they need to succeed. Additionally, it provides them with an environment which will equip them with the necessary tools to become true leaders. The goals of Brown were to provide to all children, excellent schools which were as diverse as possible. The greatest gift that we can give our children is to ensure that they receive nothing less. Fifty years after Brown, its full promise remains unrealized.”