Spring Break
Speaker advocates education for all
RAISA HABERSHAM
Issue date: 10/10/08 Section: News
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"We need a new generation of leaders, and here we are," said Sylvia Mendez about Mendez v. Westminster, the case that made California the first state to integrate schools.
Mendez spoke about the impact of the case, which occurred seven years prior to the well-known Brown v. Board of Education. It was the first court case to enter the Court of Appeals twice in California.
A documentary, "Mendez v. Westminster: Para Todos Los Niños (For All Children)," showed interviews those involved in the case.
"[I] think [the case] was more of a precursor to Brown v. Board of Education. Brown desegregated the nation, Mendez desegregated California," she said in a phone interview.
Though Mendez was young, she didn't understand the purpose of the case until age 10.
"I was in court every day and didn't realize what they were fighting for. At the time, I just wanted to go to the white school because they had a better playground."
When a boy at Mendez's school made a disturbing comment toward her, she realized the impact.
"He asked me 'What are you doing here?' and said 'Mexicans don't belong in this school,'" she said.
Mendez realized the importance of what her father fought for - everyone is entitled to an education, regardless of color.
"My father said he wanted [his kids] to grow up without hatred in [their] hearts because we were refused and education," she said.
Mendez said she wants people to appreciate education.
"People have fought for education. A lot of people are dropping out and not taking advantage of the education system," she said. "Latinos have a 50 to 60 percent dropout rate and only 12 percent finish colle3ge with a B.A. or B.S. degree."
Mendez said we have still have a long way to go because de facto segregation still exists.
"[De facto segregation] has caused schools to be majority black or Latino, generally the result of demographics," she said. "[But] I am happy my dream is coming true."
Mendez is a retired nurse who resides in Orange County, Calif. She has visited more than 70 countries, spreading the word to others about Mendez v. Westminster.
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