Changing Education

Howard University, located in Washington, D.C., is truly a unique school. Nationally ranked, the university offers an expansive curriculum in which biology, journalism, and political science are top majors. However, Howard is unique in another significant aspect – it serves as the nation’s predominantly African American university, providing the opportunity for higher education for socially and economically disadvantaged students. Howard is a positive example of how black Americans have contributed to the advancement of minorities in American society, reflecting the the struggle to create a more equal education system.

Howard University was founded in 1867, two years after the end of the Civil War. As the university was created to provide educational opportunities for freed slaves, the school has continued its mission to provide higher education while focusing on promising African American students. Moreover, Howard has played a significant role in the integration of schools and end of racial segregation. During the 1930s-50s, students of the Howard University School of Law worked with the NAACP to end racial segregation, leading to the implementation of Brown v. Board, which overturned the ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson.

In 1896, the Supreme Court approved “separate but equal” as a constitutional interpretation of the 14th Amendment. The 14th Amendment prevented states from denying rights and privileges to U.S. citizens, which included African Americans who had been granted citizenship under the Civil Rights Act of 1866. However, during the “separate but equal” ruling in the case Plessy v. Ferguson, the Court upheld racial segregation for African Americans as a principle to be applied in public institutions, including schools, thus, virtually rejecting the 14th Amendment. It was not until 1954 that the “separate but equal” policy was repudiated by the Supreme Court in the case Brown v. Board of Education.

While the two cases played significant roles in the integration of schools and racial segregation, Howard lawyers and leaders played a crucial role in overturning the legal practice. In the case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation was unconstitutional, finally initiating the gradual integration of schools in the United States.

Although integration of schools was met with great resistance, especially in the South, Howard University serves as a positive example of African Americans pursuing education and breaking the educational color barrier. For example, while Howard continues to be a predominantly black school, other African American universities have seen a recent shift in demographics – Morehouse College, located in Atlanta, Georgia, has just had its first white valedictorian in the school’s 141-year history. Howard University serves as a landmark example of traditionally black colleges striving for the advancement of African American students while breaking the educational color barrier in America.

As Howard law students contributed to the deciding Brown case, Howard continues to encourage students to “fight for the full rights of citizenship and equality which began with Brown,” continuing its legacy of contribution and advancement for African Americans. According to Howard’s mission statement, the university offers an environment in which “students come to study, free of oppression of any type, stripe or kind,” and is perhaps a school you may consider applying to.