Debate

The Start

On March 2, 1945, the Mendezes and four other Latino families sued the Westminster School District on behalf of the 5,000 Mexican Americans being segregated within four districts. This case was held in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In the duration of this case, many plaintiffs were sought after from other neighboring communities. Civil rights lawer Thurgood Marshall and two colleagues submitted an Amicus Curiae brief in the appellate case on behalf of the Mendezes. The League of United Latin American Citizens, the Japanese American Citizens League, and the Jewish Congress also submitted briefs for Mendez.

"We serve Whites only, No Spanish or Mexicans", 1949. Projectpulso.org 

The Debate 

The School's Argument

Attorney Joel Ogle represented the school. He argued that Mexican American children needed “special instruction” on topics such as bettering their English and learning American customs. He then stated that this made them “separate but equal” because they needed the extra help, also justifying the 14th Amendment. The last thing he argued was that school segregation shouldn’t be a federal decision, it should be left to the state level.​​​​​​​

The Mendez's Argument 

Attorney David Marcus argued that segregating the children goes against the 14th Amendment of the Constitution which forbids states from denying “any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” Marcus also argued that segregation was harming the students and contrary to Ogle's argument, it was actually holding back their ability to learn English and American Customs. The last tactic they used was putting some of the Mexican American children on the stand to testify how being forced to attend these Mexican Schools affects them and makes them feel.

That we are all individuals; that we are all human beings; that we are all connected together; and that we all have the same rights, the same freedom. (8).jpeg

Sandra Robbie's, Mendez v. Westminster; For All the Children

THE DECISION