Last updated: October 5, 2024
Person
Chief Justice Earl Warren
Quick Facts
Significance:
14th Chief Justice of the Unites States
Place of Birth:
Los Angeles, California
Date of Birth:
March 19, 1891
Place of Death:
July 9, 1974
Date of Death:
Washington, D.C.
Place of Burial:
Washington, D.C.
Cemetery Name:
Arlington National Cemetery
Earl Warren started his political career as Republican Governor of California in the early 1950’s. However, when the 13th Chief Justice of the United States, Fred Vinson, suddenly died of a heart attack on September 8, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower nominated Warren to replace Vinson as interim chief. Although he was known for his honesty, dignity, and common sense, his record on the rights of minorities was not particularly favorable. Nonetheless, he guided the Supreme Court to unanimously reach a decision to end segregation on May 17, 1954. In his ‘firm, clear, and unemotional’ voice he delivered their verdict:
“To separate [black children] from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone.” From this decision, Warren derived that “…separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.”
Because the nation was divided on how fast integration should occur, Warren handed down another unanimous decision on behalf of the court May 31, 1955, known as Brown II. Although it called for nationwide integration “with all deliberate speed”, counties found ways to by-pass this decision. For example, in Prince Edward County Virginia, schools were shut down for six years to avoid integration. However, during this time, white students were provided with vouchers to attend private schools while black students were left to fend for themselves. This ruling was not popular with communities that faced big changes and led to demands for Warren’s impeachment for the remainder of his long term in office.