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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. |
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