Question

the attack on segregation
to separate african american children from others... solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority... that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone.... the impact is greater when it has the approval of the law, for the policy of separating the races is usually interpreted as denoting the inferiority of african americans. a sense of inferiority affects the motivation of a child to learn.
—chief justice earl warren
opinion of the court
brown v. board of education
what is the purpose of this passage?
○ to provide legal support for segregation
○ to note that segregation calls for the separation of races
○ to defend the motives of those who favor segregation
○ to assert that legal segregation is harmful to children.

Explanation:

The passage from the Brown v. Board of Education opinion states that segregating African American children by race (especially with legal approval) creates a feeling of inferiority that harms their learning motivation and development. The first three options are incorrect: the passage is critical of segregation, not supportive; it does not advocate for racial separation; and it does not defend segregation supporters. The correct option asserts the harm of legal segregation to children, matching the passage's message.

Answer:

D. To assert that legal segregation is harmful to children.