News Archives - 2004

The 50th anniversary of the historic "Brown vs. Board of Education" U.S. Supreme Court decision that changed the face of education in America will be celebrated in a public symposium Monday, May 17, at Augsburg College's Foss Center.

The 6-8 p.m. event will be led by Judge LaJune Thomas Lange, Class of 1975 and a state trial judge on the Fourth Judicial District Court in Hennepin County, and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. It will be open to the public at no charge. Parking at the college also will be free in any of the institution's parking lots.

Judge Lange said the symposium is the opportunity for all to celebrate not only the historic significance of the "Brown" decision, but also to celebrate the fact that it was ordinary people who stood up to segregation in America's schools and helped change the nation's laws. She said she expects a wide range of individuals and professional organization leaders to share their reflections and comments on the historic decision and its aftermath. Among those presenters is Dr. Joseph Erickson, professor of education at Augsburg College and a member of the Minneapolis School Board.

There also will be the opportunity for audience members to ask questions or present reflections of their own about the Supreme Court decision and how it affected their lives or the lives of their family members and friends. More information about the event is available by contacting the Augsburg Office of Public Relations at 612-330-1180.