On....An American Tragedy: The Enduring Legacy of Plessy v. Ferguson

Abstract

This article addresses the legacy of the U.S. Supreme Court decision Plessy v. Ferguson, and its effects since the time of its rendering. The author points out that although the decision did not create racial segregation and discrimination, it confirmed and legitimized practices already in place around much of the nation. Although government imposed segregation has ended, racial separation by choice continues in many areas including housing.

Keywords: Plessy v. Ferguson, Supreme Court, equal protection clause, 14th. Amendment, inequality, separation, racial discrimination, economic disparities, Adolph Plessy, fair housing, racial segregation

JEL Classification: K19, N41, N31,