PTA and Hispanic Heritage Foundation Pay Tribute To 60-Year-Old Landmark Case, Mendez Vs. Westminster
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Event to Include Award Presentation to Mendez Family, Presentation of Commemorative Stamp, and Panel Discussion on Impact of School Segregation Case that Preceded Brown vs. BOE
Washington, D.C. (September 12, 2007)—PTA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) will host a tribute to the 60th Anniversary of Mendez vs. Westminster, a landmark case that is virtually unknown even though it preceded Brown vs. Board of Education and prohibited segregation in California's schools. During the event, the PTA will present its most prestigious award, the Life Achievement Award, to Silvia Mendez, who was involved in the case as a young girl.
"For decades PTA has fought for quality education for all children. Equal education continues to be a top priority and is at the core of the mission of our millions of members across the country," said Jan Harp Domene, PTA national president. "As we continue to take action for every child, we're honored to partner with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to call attention to such a significant desegregation case, first fought by the Latino community, that affects every child nationwide."
Lawmakers, community leaders, education officials, and child advocates will gather for a tribute to take place at the U.S. Capitol Building, Room SC-115, Thursday, September 20, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
"The lack of visibility given to this significant case has been unfortunate," said Jose Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of HHF and member of the PTA National Board of Directors. "I applaud the PTA for recognizing this important piece of history as an inspiration for parental activism. The Mendez case continues to make an impact 60 years later as Latinos reach the second-largest majority in America. HHF is committed to promoting the Mendez case and the incredible leadership and resolve of all involved in having justice prevail."
About Mendez vs. Westminster
In March 1945, Gonzalo Mendez, William Guzmán, Frank Palomino, Thomas Estrada, and Lorenzo Ramírez, a group of Latino parents in Orange County, Calif., sued four local school districts for segregating their children in "Mexican schools." In February 1946, the Mendez case was decided and Governor Earl Warren signed legislation prohibiting segregation in California schools in June 1947. The Mendez case included the judicious use of social science research, the application of the 14th Amendment and the involvement of Thurgood Marshall, co-author of the amicus brief filed by the NAACP (Stewart, 2003).
About PTA
PTA comprises more than 5 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA flourishes in more than 25,000 school communities nationwide by harnessing the energy and talents of millions of volunteers to be: voices for all children; relevant resources for families and communities; and champions for the education and well-being of every child. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
About HHF
The 20-year-old Hispanic Heritage Foundation identifies, inspires, promotes and prepares Latino leaders in the community, classroom and workforce through national leadership, cultural, and educational programs (visit HispanicHeritage.org).
