What concept was reinforced by Plessy v. Ferguson?

The ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson reinforced the concept of "separate but equal," which established the legal framework for racial segregation in the United States. In this landmark 1896 case, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of state laws requiring racial segregation in public facilities, as long as the separate facilities were considered equal in quality. This decision provided legal justification for segregation that persisted for decades, affecting schools, transportation, and other public services.

The "separate but equal" doctrine legitimized discriminatory practices and was employed to maintain racial inequality in various aspects of daily life, contributing significantly to the systemic racism that characterized the Jim Crow era. This concept was not only a pivotal moment in legal history but also laid the groundwork for future civil rights challenges that ultimately sought to dismantle segregation and promote equality.