While Brown v. Board of Education remains much more famous; Mendez v. Westminster School District (1947) was actually the first case in which segregation in education was successfully challenged in federal court. Finally giving Mendez its due; Philippa Strum provides a concise and compelling account of its legal issues and legacy; while retaining its essential human face: that of Mexican Americans unwilling to accept second-class citizenship. 1945 Gonzalo and Felcitas Mendez; California farmers; sent their children off to the local school; only to be told that the youngsters would have to attend a separate facility reserved for Mexican Americans. In response the Mndezes and other aggrieved parents from nearby school districts went to federal court to challenge the segregation. Uniquely; they did not claim racial discrimination; since Mexicans were legally considered white; but rather discrimination based on ancestry and supposed "language deficiency" that denied their children their Fourteenth Amendment rights to equal protection under the law.In 1945 Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez; California farmers; sent their children off to the local school; only to be told that the youngsters would have to attend a separate facility reserved for Mexican Americans. In response the Mendezes and other aggrieved parents from nearby school districts went to federal court to challenge the segregation. Uniquely; they did not claim racial discrimination; since Mexicans were legally considered white; but rather discrimination based on ancestry and supposed "language deficiency" that denied their children their Fourteenth Amendment rights to equal protection under the law.Strum tells how; thanks to attorney David Marcus's carefully crafted arguments; federal district court judge Paul McCormick came to support the plaintiffs on the grounds that the social; psychological; and pedagogical costs of segregated education were damaging to Mexican-American children. The school districts claimed that federal courts had no jurisdiction over education; but the Ninth Circuit upheld McCormick's decision; ruling that the schools' actions violated California law. The appeal to the Ninth Circuit was supported by amicus briefs from leading civil liberties organizations; including the NAACP; which a few years later would adapt the arguments of Mendez in representing the plaintiffs in Brown.Strum effectively weaves together narrative and analysis with personality portraits to create a highly readable and accessible story; allowing us to hear the voices of all the protagonists. She also presents the issues evenhandedly; effectively balancing her presentation of arguments by both the plaintiffs and the schools that sought to continue the segregation of Mexican-American students.Ultimately; Mendez highlights how Mexican Americans took the lead to secure their civil rights and demonstrates how organization; courage; and persistence in the Mexican-American communities could overcome the racism of the school boards. Their inspiring example is particularly timely given the current controversies over immigration and the growing national interest in Latino life.
#307973 in Books Linn; Brian McAllister 2000-01-25Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.27 x .88 x 6.12l; 1.35 #File Name: 0700612254442 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A very interesting book on a much debated topic among ...By Arthur MoselA very interesting book on a much debated topic among some people. It handles it fairly on both sides; and points out realities that affected the situation. It does not give much information on the purely military aspects such as unit organization and order of battle in the normal sense; some of that type of information is available if one searches for it. What it does do is give details of the situation on both sides politically; which is quite interesting.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A sound work on a forgotten warBy RunamuckAlong with the Malayan Emergency; the Philippine war is the most often cited successful counter insurgencies. Again like the Malayan Emergency there is little written on this war and even less that can be called sound scholarly work. Dr. Linn is the exception and has written a detailed; well documented and easily accessible book.Dr. Linn breaks down all the major players on both sides of this conflict and traces them through the war. He breaks down the strategies and tactics that all the different factions. He also shows his research skills by showing what the tactics the U.S. Army actually employed and that there has been an over inflation of atrocities that were committed.This is good book for someone interested in the war; and it is an excellent resource for the student doing research. Either way the book is a must have for one's own personnel library.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent read.By LolaDiazI found this to be highly interesting. A lot of books about American involvement in any war tends to be very "white" washed. Brian McAllister Linn does a very good job in presenting the war neutrally from both sides. He does not fall victim to othering or making America the "great white hope". I highly recommend it.
