Case Comparison: Civil Rights
Plessy v. Ferguson & Brown v. Board of Education
Plessy v. Ferguson
In Louisiana, a man named Homer Plessy challenged the "separate but equal doctrine" in the transportation system being that he was born a free man and was of both African American and European descent. The city classified him as "black" and was forced to sit in the colored section.
Ruling
The court ruled that the doctrine of separate but equal still stands. Being in either division of public restrooms or transportation did not imply inferiority in their opinion.
Brown v. Board of Education
Oliver Brown, father of Linda Brown, challenged the Board of Education of Topeka stating that the segregation of schools should be considered unconstitutional.
Ruling
The court ruled that the "separate but equal" doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson does not extend to public school systems and is considered unconstitutional.