HJ0073 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0073 LRB093 21492 HSS 49160 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Quality education is crucial to the future of our State; and

WHEREAS, Access to quality education is the entryway to opportunity; and

WHEREAS, Quality education provided in a universal setting enriches the learning experience for all children; and

WHEREAS, Quality education for every citizen regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, sex, disability/handicap, or economic circumstance is an indispensable goal in our society; and

WHEREAS, On May 17, 1954, in a historic and unanimous decision, the United States Supreme Court, in Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954), ruled that public education is subject to the equal protection provisions of the United States Constitution; and

WHEREAS, The Court based its decision on the premise that to separate children according to their race was unfair, diminishing their hopes and their futures; and

WHEREAS, That decision has had a profound, significant, and beneficial impact on all aspects of life in the United States; and

WHEREAS, The significant contributions of citizens of this State were essential to the ultimate success of that 58-year battle for justice; and

WHEREAS, Those contributions made through lawful and peaceful means stand as worthy models of the benefit of public education and good citizenship; and

WHEREAS, The benefits to Illinois are everywhere, to be seen in the contributions by Illinois citizens, not only in education, but in government, the arts, business, and other civic undertakings; and

WHEREAS, Many of the promises and goals of that decision still remain unmet; and

WHEREAS, The future of public education is dependent on the continued resolve of all to provide a quality education without regard to race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, disability/handicap, or social economic status; and

WHEREAS, The 50th Anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision presents an opportunity for the 120,000 members of the Illinois Education Association to celebrate and commemorate our State's success in providing quality public education, recognize the fruits of that success, and reinforce and strengthen its commitment to achieving the goal and promise of quality education; and

WHEREAS, May 17, 2004 is the 50th anniversary of this historic event; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that May 17, 2004 be designated a special day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for the efforts of so many American men and women that helped bring about the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision that has enriched the lives of every American and helped bring our country closer to the goal of achieving equality and justice for all.