Mendez et al v.

Westminster: How One Groups Conflict Provoked Nationwide Compromise

Charly Erpelding, Rebeca Garza-Doty, and Carolyn Kress

Junior Division

Group Website

Student Composed Words: 1166

Process Paper Word Count: 499

 As we began our search for a topic, the case of Mendez et al v. Westminster captured our

interest due to the impact it made on the lives of all Hispanics and other minorities. Looking

further, we learned how much was accomplished throughout this lesser known civil case. Not

only were children being discriminated against, but were deprived of a legitimate education.

Mendez et al v. Westminster has changed the lives of countless people and its legacy continues

to impact society today.

While conducting our research, we came to the conclusion that there was more to this

case than what meets the eye. We reached out to the Ramirez family and were fortunate enough

to conduct multiple interviews with Henry, Mike and Antonio Ramirez; sons of Lorenzo

Ramirez. They provided firsthand accounts regarding segregation within the school system.

Additionally, they educated us on the importance of the other families involved. In our research,

we relied mainly on websites and numerous primary sources. Although multiple sources were

insufficient, we were able to gather various websites, images, and documents providing plenty of

information.

Narrowing our options, we decided that a visual would be a great way to display our

information and multitude of images. Creating a website provided something interactive that

would be easier for others to access, while also giving us an opportunity to work with technology

and web design. The formatting and overall design of our website has greatly developed

throughout our process between the state and national competitions, from the page titles and

layouts to information regarding the families and civil rights movements. The use of red, white​,

and green originated from the image of the Mexican flag and can be seen throughout our
website. We respect these families greatly and felt it was necessary to honor their background

and culture.

Throughout this major conflict occurring within the 1940’s, five Mexican-American

families stayed persistent from beginning to end in their quest for constitutional rights. These

families refused to comply without a compromise from the court to equalize their freedoms. Not

only did this case impact those who were directly​ ​involved, but affected all Hispanic children

residing within the United States. These children remained voiceless for numerous years before

this issue was brought to light. Later on, this case would impact people of color across the United

States, being an influential piece of evidence during the Brown v. Board of Education that took

place from 1952 to 1954.

All things considered, Mendez et al v. Westminster revolutionized the civil rights

movement across the United States​, along with breaking racial barriers and impacting countless

lives. Overcoming the conflict that took place between Orange County School Districts and

Mexican-American families, allowed children across the United States who were deprived of

their rights and a proper education to be recognized. Not only did the case benefit those with a

Hispanic background, but also assisted minorities throughout the country in later cases and civil

movements, leaving a lasting impact for years to come.