Mendez v. Westminster
1. Choose a landmark legal case that has influenced a local, state, or school board policy from below:
○ Mendez v. Westminster
2. Utilizing a design tool such as Piktochart, Canva, Google Sites, etc., create a well-organized, engaging, one-page historical chronology infographic. Your infographic must be parent/teacher/community college personnel (stakeholders)-friendly and include all of the following:
○ A detailed chronology of the events that led to the case
○ The case findings and legal decisions
○ The influence and/or effects of the ruling(s) of the case on local, state, or school board policy
○ At least 3 key ideas of how this educational policy affects, influences, and impacts the responsibility of the school or college counselor
○ Research and cite a minimum of 5 informational sources
○ APA style (7th edition) citations of all graphic sources and text
The Mendez vs. Westminster case began in July 1945 when Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez filed a class action suit against four Orange County school districts for segregating their children from Caucasian students in the schools they attended. The plaintiffs alleged that segregated education was unconstitutional and violated the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection clause as well as laws of California prohibiting racial discrimination in public schools. In February 1946, U.S District Judge Paul J McCone ruled in favor of the plaintiffs citing that segregation based solely on race was indeed illegal under existing law and ordered all defendant school districts to integrate immediately or else face penalties or injunctions by the court if they failed to comply with his orders.
This ruling set precedent for future rulings involving desegregation cases such as Brown V Board of Education which abolished segregation laws across entire United States . Additionally it allowed more opportunities Latinx/Mexican Americans attend quality educational institutions afforded white students creating paths success families previously denied access due their skin color .
At local level , Mendez v Westminster established importance combatting institutional racism through implementation anti-discrimination policies at governmental agencies like departments education healthcare etc.. These measures have been adapted countless political organizations implementing different levels social responsibility citizens within those states ensuring equality all regardless racial backgrounds .
More recently , mandate enforced by Supreme Court has extended beyond physical spaces into virtual realm student conversations taking place online recognizing need protecting marginalized groups even while using technology such Twitter Facebook etc.. School boards around country are now expected not only monitor postings ensure no offensive language being used but also create environments free harassment bullying cyberbullying .
Mendez v Westminster is an example how judicial system can be agents change bettering life individuals who historically faced persecution society because ethnicity culture socio economic status other factors . By advocating rights those affected providing necessary resources needed challenge oppressive systems courts were able bring about sweeping changes impacted lives millions people nationwide forever .