The Legacy of a Lifetime
Even though this case was focused on ending the segregation of Mexican-American students , its result affects students of all backgrounds and nationalities today. Gonzalo Mendez noticed that it wasn't only his children whose rights were being violated but about 5,000 other students who were not receiving an equal opportunity to education in Southern California. His perseverance and determination allowed him to accomplish something not only in his community but throughout California and eventually across America. His children, followed by several students of different racial backgrounds, were the first to attend schools that once prohibited them of their rights to equal education.
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Because of Gonzalo Mendez's unfailing commitment to the thousands of children affected by segregation, the court's rulings concluded that any form of desegregation in education is illegal. Mr. Mendez's actions taught and expressed how culture and education are both important to each individual. Students should not be required to forget or dismiss their cultures in order to receive equal education, rather they should embrace them and learn from the variety of cultures found in the classroom. Most importantly, Gonzalo Mendez's ultimate legacy lives on because it is now unconstitutional and illegal for students to be segregated in education because of race or language.
Sylvia Mendez
Today, Gonzalo Mendez's legacy lives through his daughter who proudly teaches students about her father's efforts to end segregation and the importance of equality in education. Sylvia continues her father's work and legacy in advocating for complete equality in education. Gonzalo's legacy did not end when the court case reached a conclusion, rather it continues to live on today and for future generations. Therefore, the world will see the impact one tenant farmer had on the education of millions of students because of his passion and dedication to equality for all Americans.
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Interview with Sylvia Mendez
“I was only 8 years old at the time of the trial
so, all I was thinking was that I wasn’t going to go to that beautiful school
with the swings and monkey bars and it was so beautiful compared to the other
Mexican school that had dirt all over it and had a wire to keep the cows away
with electricity on it, and all I was thinking was that someday I’m going to
go to that nice beautiful school that has that wonderful playground.”
"If you read the transcript you will find out
that they were saying that the Mexicans were dirty, they were immoral, full of
bugs, full of disease and did not know how to act right. They thought that they
shouldn’t be going to school with the whites."
"He was very
charismatic and everybody liked him."
"He always, all his life, he was trying to make
sure we spoke well and we did well in school always, always showing us how to
act very polite."
"His obstacle was
trying to get us into the white school and they did not want to allow us to go
to the white school and they kept saying well I’m sorry Mr. and Mrs. but there
is a rule that Mexican kids have to go to the other school. So that’s why he
had to find a lawyer to fight it. "
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How has the Mendez v. Westminster case impacted your life and how does it continue to impact your life today?
"Latinos need to know they have heroes." |