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Brown vs. Board of Education

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that compulsory segregation of races in public schools was unconstitutional. The court held that separate facilities for Black and White students were "inherently unequal," and in 1955, ordered states with segregated schools to open them to all races.

Outcome - This ruling struck down the "separate but equal doctrine," declared separation of Black and White students unconstitutional and ordered desegregation of schools with "all deliberate speed."