Question

1. which two statements provide evidence for the idea that the plessy v. ferguson decision of 1896 was an outdated precedent for segregation?

a. separate schools many times were not equal.
b. only some states followed the \separate but equal\ doctrine; therefore, it was declared invalid.
c. the importance and role of public education had changed since the \separate but equal\ doctrine was adopted.
d. the policy of segregation implied that black people were inferior to white people, resulting in a detrimental effect upon black children.

Explanation:

• Option A: Segregated schools failing to be equal directly shows the "separate but equal" doctrine of Plessy v. Ferguson was not upheld, proving it was an outdated, unworkable precedent.
• Option D: Segregation's implicit message of Black inferiority and harm to Black children demonstrates the precedent was based on a morally and socially flawed premise that no longer fit evolving societal values.
• Option B is incorrect: The ruling was invalidated because it was unjust, not because only some states followed it.
• Option C is incorrect: While education's role changed, this is not direct evidence the precedent itself was outdated; the core failures of segregation (inequality, harm) are stronger evidence.

Answer:

A. Separate schools many times were not equal.
D. The policy of segregation implied that Black people were inferior to white people, resulting in a detrimental effect upon Black children.