Washington, DC – In recognition of the 69th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, People For the American Way President Svante Myrick released the following statement:

“Today we honor one of the most important Supreme Court decisions in our history, Brown v. Board of Education, which ordered an end to racial segregation in public schools and opened school doors to Black students. The ruling reminds us how important it is for our schools to be places of intellectual curiosity and mutual respect, where every student feels like they belong and can learn safely. Seven decades later, we are deeply disturbed that ultraconservatives and far-right activists are attacking the freedom to learn and trying to erase the history of Black Americans and other historically marginalized communities. Groups like Moms for Liberty and public officials including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are criminalizing teachers, challenging books that inspire young people, and promoting fear mongering anti-LGTBQ rights legislation in schools like the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill. Attacking the freedom to learn sabotages public education and takes away equal protection under the law for all children.”

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About People For the American Way 

People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: http://www.pfaw.org