Congresssional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield Recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, issued the following statement on the 50th Anniversary of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965.

“Since 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act has been an essential tool for promoting fair and equal access to quality public education and helping to reduce educational disparities between students of all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, and beliefs.  The ESEA was critical to upholding and defending the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education which asserted that equity in education is a fundamental right and not a privilege.”

“Congress should honor the 50th Anniversary of the ESEA by reauthorizing the law through new legislation that provides robust and consistent funding to schools, greater support for disadvantaged students, and recognizes the historic Federal role in education.”