On May 17, 1954, America was changed forever when the United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously to outlaw racial segregation in the nation's public schools. That landmark decision in favor of simple social justice set the country on a course of debate, dissent, and change that continues today. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will devote its academic year 2003-04 to a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. Beginning with our convocation in fall 2003 and ending with commencement ceremonies in May 2004, the campus plans to recognize and analyze the great social changes brought about by this historic civil rights decision. Lectures, seminars, arts exhibits, films, performances, and visiting scholars, will be scheduled throughout the year. We plan to invite many key figures associated with the decision and its interpretation and implementation as honorees and discussants during the commemorative year. The University of Illinois intends for this commemorative year to renew the spirit of social justice that spurred such commitment to this important cause a half-century ago with the Brown court case.