De Jure Segregation Research Paper

Segregation. It is definitely one of the darker times of American history. Many now wonder why did it happen? What caused it? And how it became such a problem. Well to start off, what is segregation? By definition segregation is, to separate or set apart from others or from the main body or group; to isolate. The most obvious segregation was the segregation of race. Blacks and whites. This is not a recent thing though. A certain race has viewed another as inferior for centuries. For example, slavery. Slavery links back to ancient egyptians and evolved to the U.S. where whites had blacks do their bidding simply because they were seen as lesser beings because of their skin color. Segregation is essentially the same. One race is separated from
De jure segregation is segregation by law. De facto segregation is segregation by choice or general consent. De jure segregation was the main type of segregation in the late 19th century and the early 20th century . After this time period de facto segregation kicked in (Tushnet). But, why did de jure segregation end? It is mainly due to the case of Brown V. The Board of Education. There were two cases of Brown V. B.O.E. called Brown I and Brown II. The second case was just a repeal of the first case. After Brown V. Board of Education de jure segregation was virtually over (Tackach). In its place segregation by choice or de facto segregation started to rise (Tushnet). Whites started to devise ways to segregate without laws. One of the most prominent ways was with real estate agents. Real estate agents would create segregated neighborhoods by having the buyer sign a contract saying they would only sell their house to the same race. This is what created such prominent black and white neighborhoods. There were several cases against real agents making such contracts. However, the ruling was the almost always same: it was considered a personal matter that the government can’t interfere with. This allowed the real estate agents to continue to segregate neighborhoods. This is what caused such segregated cities and sometimes towns (Tushnet). Today such contracts are illegal but the trail segregation left is
Ferguson and after Brown V. Board of Education the amount of de jure segregation fell and the amount of de facto segregation rose. Also, Julian Bond helped to eradicate segregation by teaching all Americans, including blacks, about their rights. All of the actions and teachings of people such as Julian Bond have shown that segregation is wrong and must be eradicated. Luckily, in this day and age segregation is gone in the U.S. and everyone should hope it stays this