What was a major implication of the Brown v. Board of Education decision?

The Brown v. Board of Education decision, delivered by the Supreme Court in 1954, was a landmark case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The ruling specifically addressed the principle of "separate but equal" established by Plessy v. Ferguson, which had allowed for racial segregation as long as the separate facilities were considered equal. In its decision, the Court found that segregated schools were inherently unequal and, therefore, discriminatory.

The major implication of this ruling was the establishment of equality in public facilities, particularly the education system. This decision not only mandated the desegregation of schools across the United States but also set a precedent for future civil rights advancements. It was a pivotal moment in the struggle against racial discrimination and played a significant role in the broader civil rights movement, leading to increased challenges against inequality and segregation in various facets of public life.

The other options do not accurately reflect the impact of the Brown decision. While the case did have far-reaching implications for civil rights, it did not maintain segregation, nor did it directly address voting rights or freedom of speech. Instead, it fundamentally changed the landscape of public education and affirmed the importance of equal rights for all individuals.