NEW YORK (Press Release)– On the 60th anniversary of the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in Brown v Board of Education, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) celebrates the historic breakthrough in May 1954 and everlasting impact of that case and ruling.
AJC Executive Director David Harris issued the following statement:
“The ‘self-evident’ claim of the Declaration of Independence that ‘all men are created equal’ was honored more in the breach than the observance until the Supreme Court compelled the nation to honor its promise in Brown v Board of Education.
“Exactly sixty years have passed since that decision ended segregation in public schools. It changed the social and political fabric of our country. Jim Crow’s legal regime is long since dead and buried, but the lingering effects of segregation and the racial bias giving rise to it are not. That remains unfinished business that we must address collectively.
“For us at AJC, Brown v Board of Education is more than a landmark case, one in which AJC filed a friend-of-the-court brief. Much of the psychological research on the harmful impact of school segregation on minority children conducted by Professor Kenneth Clark was sponsored by AJC, and Chief Justice Warren cited that study in the decision. We look at that contribution to American society with great pride, indeed, as one of the most important things AJC has ever done.”
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In Washington, Secretary of State John Kerry said it is no accident that the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia occurs on the anniversary of the Brown vs. the Board decision: In a written statement issued by the State Department: Kerry said:
“Today of all days, we are reminded that the cause of justice can and must triumph over hatred and prejudice. This is a day of action for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities and their allies all over the world. It is time to reaffirm our commitment to the equality and dignity of all persons, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“It’s not lost on anyone that this year’s International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) coincides with the 60th anniversary of the ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. Our commitment to advancing the human rights of LGBT persons is part of this country’s long history of fighting to ensure that all people can exercise their human rights.
“We have seen incredible progress in the fight to advance the human rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBT persons.
“And the United States is proud to be doing its part. This past week, we convened religious leaders and representatives of faith-based organizations to think about how we work together to promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons. Next week, we will convene meetings with our private sector allies to discuss the important role of the business community in promoting equality and the ways we can partner through the Global Equality Fund.
“But this must be more than a moment to celebrate how far we have come. We know that our work is not complete when countries enact laws targeting LGBT persons and their supporters. We know that our work is not complete when LGBT persons and their allies are harassed, arrested, and even killed simply because of who they are and who they love.
“The United States condemns these senseless acts of violence and discrimination. Human rights are universal, and LGBT persons and their allies must be free to exercise them without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
“When our LGBT brothers and sisters are threatened anywhere, it is a threat to freedom, justice and dignity of people everywhere. The United States will continue to protect and promote the human rights of LGBT persons worldwide this day and every day. Onward.”
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Preceding provided by AJC and U.S. State Department