The Fight for Public Education: A Historical Perspective

This chapter examines the historical context of public education in America during the transformative 1950s, focusing on the impact of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling and the resistance to desegregation. It highlights key figures, such as President Truman, and discusses the emergence of segregation academies and the privatization of education fueled by fears of racial integration. The narrative also underscores the influence of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in shaping education policy and reflects on the challenges faced by public schools as a democratic institution.