Women You Should Know About: Sylvia Mendez

​Women You Should Know About:
Sylvia Mendez

By Christopher Nicolo

Warm Up: What do you remember about Ruby Bridges?

Learning Objective:
Students will analyze the important roles and contributions of Sylvia Mendez in strengthening democracy and challenging segregation in the United States.

Sylvia Mendez: A Young Girl Who Changed History

Born in June 7, 1936, in Santa Ana, California. Her parents were Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez. Her father was from Mexico and her mother was from Puerto Rico. Sylvia loved to play with her friends, go to the movies, and spend time with her family. She was a happy, curious child who enjoyed learning. Sylvia grew up speaking both English and Spanish at home. She lived in a loving family that believed education was very important.

Multiple Select

Segregation meant that people were separated because of their race or ethnicity, or where their family came from. In the 1940s, many schools had separate buildings for American children and Mexican-American children. The schools for Mexican-American children often had, older books and lacked supplies, and buildings that needed repairs.

In 1944, when Sylvia was 8 years old, she and her brothers were told they couldn't attend the nice Westminster Elementary School • They were sent to the "Mexican school" instead, even though they spoke perfect English.

What was wrong with Mexican-American schools? Check as many as possible

• had older books

• needed more supplies

• had young teachers.

• buildings needed repairs

Open Ended

The Mendez Family Takes Action

Sylvia's father, was angry that his children couldn't go to the better school. So the Mendez family decided to take the school district to court and it became, Mendez v. Westminster School District. During the trial, the family's lawyers said separating children by race was unfair and against the law. The judge agreed! He said all children had the right to attend the same schools. This case helped end school segregation in California.

Why is the judge agreeing to with the Mendez family a good thing for the country?

It is good for the country because ...

The Impact

Some people in the community were angry about the court case. The family a lot of mean comments. It was scary and stressful for young Sylvia. Some people didn't want the schools to be integrated.
But schools became more fair and equal for all children. Mexican-American children got better education opportunities. The case became a model for other civil rights cases. It showed that ordinary families could make big changes. It helped create more understanding between different groups of people.

Back to Sylvia

Sylvia became a nurse and helped take care of people for over 30 years She continued to talk about equal rights and education for all children. She travels around the country telling her story to students and adults. She met President Obama in 2011, and President Barack Obama gave Sylvia the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest honor a civilian can receive!

So why are we learning about this today?

On November 14, 1960

Open Ended

How are Ruby Bridges and Sylvia Mendez similar?

Ruby Bridges and Sylvia Mendez are similar because ...