On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. A commentary on the ruling explores the differing theories on integration at the time.

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On May 17, 1954, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren delivered the unanimous ruling against the "separate but equal" mandate and demanded desegregation of schools. Outside the courtroom, the attorneys who argued the Brown v. Board of Education case, James Nabrit Jr., Thurgood Marshall and George Hayes, give a press conference.

In 1954, the Supreme Court unanimously strikes down segregation in public schools, sparking the Civil Rights movement.

This Day in History - May 17, 1954, Brown vs. Board of Education trial came to an end with courts deciding racial segregation of public schools was unequal. This was the first time blacks and whites could sit together in one classroom. To find out more about this day, check out this video clip.

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On January 22, 1973, ABC Evening News anchor Howard K. Smith announces the United States Supreme Court's landmark decision in the Roe v. Wade case, which ruled unconstitutional a Texas state law that prohibited abortion.