Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation

The video tells the story of Sylvia Mendez and her family's fight against school segregation in California. After facing discrimination at a local school, Sylvia's father, Gonzalo Mendez, challenged the segregation policy. Despite initial setbacks, the Mendez family, with the help of lawyer David Marcus, filed a lawsuit that led to a landmark court ruling in 1947. This ruling declared that public education must be open to all children regardless of race or background, paving the way for desegregation in California schools.

What was Sylvia Mendez's experience on her first day at Westminster School?

• She was told to go back to the Mexican school.

• She was given a special tour of the school.

• She was welcomed by all students.

• She made many friends immediately.

Why were Sylvia and her siblings not given enrollment forms at the local public school?

• They were not residents of the area.

• They did not have the required documents.

• They were told to attend the Mexican school.

• They were late for enrollment.

What was Gonzalo Mendez's initial reaction to the school segregation?

• He accepted it as a norm.

• He believed it was a mistake and sought to resolve it.

• He immediately filed a lawsuit.

• He decided to move to another city.

What did the truck driver suggest to Mr. Mendez as a solution to the segregation issue?

• To move to a different state.

• To start a new school.

• To file a lawsuit.

• To speak to the media.

Who was the lawyer that helped the Mendez family file the lawsuit?

• Robert Johnson

• David Marcus

• John Smith

• Michael Brown

What was the main argument presented by the education specialists during the trial?

• Segregation is necessary for discipline.

• Segregation is beneficial for language learning.

• Segregation helps improve education.

• Segregation creates a sense of inferiority.

What was the outcome of the initial trial in Los Angeles?

• The Mendez family lost the case.

• The trial was postponed.

• The judge ruled in favor of the Mendez family.

• The case was dismissed.

Which organizations supported the Mendez family during the appeal?

• Only the school board supported them.

• Only local community groups.

• Various national organizations.

• No organizations supported them.

What was the final decision of the Court of Appeals in San Francisco?

• They ruled against the Mendez family.

• They ruled in favor of the Mendez family.

• They decided not to hear the case.

• They sent the case back to the lower court.

What change did Governor Earl Warren sign into law following the Mendez case?

• Only Mexican children could attend public schools.

• All children in California could attend school together.

• Private schools were banned.

• Segregation was reinforced in schools.