1-There are two pivotal cases that set the law for the legal relationships and associations between Blacks and Whites. Please read Plessy v. Ferguson and address the following three points:
a. Explain the majority court's opinion and reasoning for establishing the legality of "separate but equal."
b. The majority opinion talks about property rights of "white men" because they are the dominate race. Describe this concept and explain whether you agree or disagree with it.
c. How does Justice Harlan, writing the dissenting opinion, argue what the outcome should be in this matter?
2- More than fifty years after Plessy v Ferguson the Supreme Court looks again at the issue of segregation of the races in the context of public schools. Explain the court's reasoning in ordering the integration of schools. Why is separate not equal?
3- Do you think the country was ready for the Brown decision? Be sure your answer is supported by details from the two videos.
4- Relate Howard Thurman's thoughts on segregation on the imagines and events from this time.
5- Explain the impact of Boarding Schools on Indian people.
6- Segregation vs forced assimilation. What were the impacts of each of these practices? What is in common between the practices and what is different as it impacts the people and society?
7- Are there still attempts at forced assimilation today? Explain.
8- Segregation vs forced assimilation. Do these practices have impacts on society today? What are the impacts of each of these practices? What is in common between the practices and what is different as it impacts the people and society? Can you list examples of these practices that exist today?
People who inspire
9- After doing a little independent research post about an individual(s) that stood up against segregation. Tell us about the person and their family. If you have research sites make sure you post the source. Look for people like Ruby Bridges and her family who bravely broke barriers. Try not to repeat a person that another student has posted about. If you do repeat a person make sure you substantially add to their story.
10- Do you think the country was ready for the Brown decision? Was the Brown decision the result of change in society or did it create the change in society. Be sure your answer is supported by details from the two videos. Recently the Supreme Court used the legal reasoning found in Brown v. the Board of Education to overturn state laws that banned same sex marriage. Should law follow a societies normative values or should law lead the way in changing those normative values?