County in Virginia went so far as to refuse to collect taxes, closing its public schools
rather than integrating them. Black children in Prince Edward County went four years
without may public schooling; meanwhile,, whites attended private schools, receiving
property tax credits and help from the government in paying tuition.

Despite the impact of the Brown decision, public education in the South
remained largely segregated for over a decade. It was only after the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 was passed  and after more aggressive efforts were made by the courts 
that much progress occurred.

The early philosophers of rights - whose ideas so powerfully influenced the
founders of the United States  had the revolutionary idea that from birth, each
person - male or female^ rich or poor» black or white  has the saaa& light (Or life,
liberty and property as any other. The early rights philosophers declared that no
government can ignore these rights and still call itself just.

As we've seen, many people  including Jeremy Bentham and other Utilitarians
- have denounced rights because they can conflict with the will and interests of the
majority. Yet in the final analysis, many Utilitarians have decided mat "the greatest
happiness for the greatest number" is often promoted by a respect for individual
rights.

Right, Human Rights and Civil Sights                                            ^-^

March 12, 2001                            51

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