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This Day in American History

May 17

1 historic event on this date

Court Case1954

Brown v. Board of Education Decision

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).

Why It Matters

This landmark decision was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement and began the legal dismantling of segregation, though implementation faced massive resistance.

Explore the Principles Behind the History

Every event in American history connects to the founding principles. Discover the ideas that shaped these moments.

View the 28 Founding Principles