Women You Should Know About: Sylvia Mendez
Presentation
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Religious Studies
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9th - 12th Grade
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Practice Problem
•
Easy
Christopher Nicolo
Used 2+ times
FREE Resource
9 Slides • 3 Questions
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Sylvia Mendez
By Christopher Nicolo
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Warm Up: What do you remember about Ruby Bridges?
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Students will analyze the important roles and contributions of Sylvia Mendez in strengthening democracy and challenging segregation in the United States.
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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.
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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
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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 ...
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The Impact
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.
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Back to Sylvia
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Open Ended
How are Ruby Bridges and Sylvia Mendez similar?
Ruby Bridges and Sylvia Mendez are similar because ...
Sylvia Mendez
By Christopher Nicolo
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