News Release

"Education Drives America" Bus Tour Stops at Brown v. Board of Education NHS

Date: September 20, 2012

Education Secretary Arne Duncan spoke for approximately 15 minutes about the necessity of closing the opportunity gap in education and the importance of continued investment in educational opportunities for all Americans. Referring to the formerly segregated Monroe School as "hallowed ground," Secretary Duncan commented that "Brown v. Board of Education is not just a part of our history; it has to be part of our future as well."

The program kicked off with the Topeka High School drumline and the Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School choir offered up "Home on the Range," the state song of Kansas. The Secretary was preceded by speakers that included Topeka mayor William Bunten, Kansas Education Commissioner Diane DeBacker, National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel, and Highland Park High School Principal Dr. Beryl New.

The Secretary was then introduced by high school students Jewlissa Frickey and McKenna Miller, whose National History Day film on WWII Japanese-American internment camps is currently on display at the park.

Prior to the public program, law students from Washburn University participated in a one hour town hall meeting at the park with Assistant Secretaries of Education Michael Yudin and Russlyn Ali. Approximately 50 high school students also toured the exhibits and participated in ranger led education programs before joining the law students and Department of Education officials for a second hour of dialogue and discussion.

"What better place than Brown v. Board of Education NHS to tell the story of segregation in education," said park superintendent David Smith. "Secretary Duncan made it very clear that we are facing a crisis in education today. We are thrilled that the park could be part of a renewed focus on the role of education in American society."

Given the extensive media coverage of the Secretary's visit, the public event also drew the attention of the Topeka based Westboro Baptist Church. The controversial church group regularly pickets the funerals of American soldiers to publicize their views against homosexuality. Several members of the church demonstrated and exercised their constitutional rights under the First Amendment with signs, placards, and songs just off park property. They demonstrated without incident and left shortly before the Secretary's arrival.The program kicked off with the Topeka High School drumline and the Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School choir offered up "Home on the Range," the state song of Kansas.