Read or reread the ruling of Justice Lemuel Shaw or the selected excerpt: Ruling of Justice Lemuel Shaw in the case Sarah C. Roberts vs. City of Boston, 1850.

“It is urged, that this maintenance of separate schools tends to deepen and perpetuate the odious distinction of caste, founded in a deep-rooted prejudice in public opinion.  This prejudice, if it exists, is not created by law, and probably cannot be changed by law.  Whether this distinction and prejudice, existing in the opinion and feelings of the community, would not be as effectually fostered by compelling colored and white children to associate together in the same schools, may well be doubted; at all events, it is a fair and proper question for the committee to consider and decide upon, having in view the best interests of both classes of children placed under their superintendence, and we cannot say, that their decision upon it is not founded on just grounds of reason and experience, and in the results of a discriminating and honest judgment.”

• Ask students to explain the quote in their own words (giving support & guidance where needed). Support their understanding that Judge Shaw’s quote can be inferred as saying the law could not force a change in racist attitudes– in other words, that forced integration would not make people want to integrate or be less racist.
• Challenge students to retort this belief by working in small groups or as a class to identify and  read about instances when the courts, or the implementation of legal rulings, did effectively bring about positive change for educational equality and/or change in attitudes of racism and bias. Historical examples that pair well with the Sarah Roberts story include the Little Rock Nine;  Ruby Bridges; Sylvia Mendez and Mendez v. Westminster; and court-ordered school desegregation in Boston.  For all of these topics there are accessible articles, children’s and middle grade biographies, and other non-fiction accounts at a wide variety of reading levels.  The class may also decide to investigate an example from their own state, or in their own communities and schools. 
• Students can present their work orally, through a presentation platform, poster, cartoon strip, or other format to their classmates.