My Experience In Talking About Freedom

Gone with the Wind Reconsidered

Gone with the Wind Reconsidered

Reconstruction Video reflection

 

From Slavery to Reconstruction: The Struggle for Freedom and the Leaders Who Shaped It

Heat of The Night Reflection

Heat of the Night Refection

 

Classroom Mock Trial: Brown v. Board of Education

Overview

Our class conducted a mock trial reenacting the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which challenged school segregation under the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Students represented both sides of the argument, presenting compelling legal, moral, and economic perspectives on one of America's most significant civil rights cases.

Arguments Against Segregation

Dom opened with a moral appeal, citing scripture to argue that all people are equal under Christ and should not be divided by race. Nathan emphasized that "separate has never been equal," pointing to the severe funding disparities between Black and white schools. He noted that while tradition once defended
slavery and denied women's rights, America progresses by learning from the past rather than being constrained by it.

Lucas delivered a political argument about citizenship and democracy. He explained that schools teach more than academics—they teach students how to live together under shared laws and values. Segregation prevents students from understanding people different from themselves, ultimately weakening our democratic society.

Butterfield presented an economic case, highlighting the devastating financial impact of segregation. He cited funding gaps where Kansas spent only $17 annually per Black student compared to substantially more for white students. This economic inequality creates a permanent underclass, costing the American economy billions in lost productivity.

Kane built on Supreme Court precedents from Sweatt and McLaurin cases, arguing that equality in education requires intangible elements like peer interaction and institutional prestige that cannot exist under segregation. The separation itself creates inherent inequality.

Arguments Supporting Segregation

Students also presented the historical defense of segregation. Arguments included the Plessy v. Ferguson precedent establishing "separate but equal," states' rights under the Tenth Amendment, and claims that the 14th Amendment's framers didn't intend to require integration.

Graham and Leo defended tradition and community norms, while Christian raised concerns about economic costs, displacement of teachers, and the practical challenges of integration.

This exercise provided valuable insight into the complex legal and social arguments surrounding this pivotal case.

AI Disclosure: After sitting in on the mock trial, I took detailed notes. Then, used Claude- AI to structure and smooth the text and format in a readable way. I then edited the AI- generated text. I added photos I took from the trial.