The ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) established the "separate but equal" doctrine, allowing for racial segregation in public facilities as long as they were deemed to be equal. This decision upheld the constitutionality of state laws requiring racial segregation in public facilities such as schools, transportation, and other public places. It was not until the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954 that the "separate but equal" doctrine was overturned.
