Background Thomas Jefferson was a champion of universal education for all citizens, but in the culture in which he wrote, black slaves were not considered citizens. Jefferson saw the institution of slavery as an evil, even though he continued the practice of slave ownership. Jefferson's own contradictory actions toward his slaves were symbolic of the paradox that would describe race relations and equality in education for African-Americans. The nation would have to suffer through a …showed first 75 words of 1294 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1294 total…if they were willing to live up to the ideals that are written in the Constitution. In essence, this is the same dilemma that Jefferson faced in his time. What evidence can you gather that the United States has made progress in its efforts to apply Jefferson's words that "all men are created equal?" What evidence is there that this concept has not been fully realized? What can you do to eliminate prejudices and stereotypes?