The 60th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education was on May 17, 2014. The historic and unanimous decision paved the way for the desegregation of public schools across the country. The court’s pronouncement validated the struggle and remarkable actions of countless Americans — including civil rights leaders and volunteers, parents and students — who challenged the destructive effects of segregation though peaceful, lawful means.

OSBA is encouraging school districts and boards of education across Ohio to use the 60th anniversary of Brown v. the Board of Education as a teachable moment. The OSBA Diversity and Inclusion Committee is making a sample resolution available to school boards that they can read and adopt to recognize the Brown v. Board of Education anniversary; the committee also has compiled resources and information about the landmark court case.

The OSBA Board of Trustees and National School Boards Association (NSBA) Board of Directors approved resolutions earlier this year recognizing the Brown v. Board of Education anniversary. The resolutions urge schools to commemorate the historic anniversary “with an appropriate ceremony and remembrance.”

Resources about Brown v. Board of Education:

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

Civilrights.org: Brown v. Board of Education

Education World: Brown v. Board of Education Teaching Resources

The History Channel: Brown v. Board of Education

Smithsonian Natural Museum of American History: Brown v. Board of Education

Teaching Tolerance: Brown v. Board of Education

University of Michigan Library: Brown v. Board of Education

U.S. Courts: Brown v. Board of Education History and Re-enactment Activity

U.S. National Archives: Timeline of Events Leading to Brown v. Board of Education