Civil rights leader Lylaus Keyes, who fought for education equality in Denver, passed away at the age of 97. Keyes dedicated her life to advocating for equal rights in Denver’s public education system, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s educational landscape.
In the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling, state-sanctioned racial segregation in public schools was deemed unconstitutional. While this ruling addressed de jure segregation, a case in Denver shed light on de facto segregation, which refers to segregation in practice.
During the 1960s, the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education manipulated school boundaries to ensure that Park Hill Elementary School predominantly accommodated white students. Lylaus Keyes, along with her husband Wilfred C. Keyes and seven other Park Hill residents, filed a lawsuit against the school board in 1969, arguing that this action violated their children’s constitutional rights.
The fight for civil rights was not easy for the Keyes family. Christi Romero, Lylaus Keyes’ daughter, recalled the harrowing experiences they faced, including bombings targeted at their house. Despite the fear and challenges, Keyes remained unwavering in her commitment to the civil rights movement.
Federal District Judge William Doyle ruled in favor of the families, indicating that the changes made by the school board violated the equal protection clause outlined in the 14th Amendment. However, this decision was later overturned by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Eventually, the case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where in 1973, the court voted 7-1 in favor of the families, affirming that the segregation at Park Hill schools indicated segregation within the entire district.
As a result, Denver Public Schools implemented two decades of busing to integrate all schools. It was not until 1995 that a federal judge declared DPS had effectively eliminated segregation, ending the era of busing.
Lylaus Keyes’ dedication and impact on educational equity in Denver is widely recognized. Dr. Darlene Sampson, an education consultant and close friend of the Keyes family, emphasized Keyes’ commitment to educational equity and her enduring legacy.
Throughout the years, Denver schools, including Stedman Elementary in Park Hill, have undergone significant changes. Stedman Elementary, once a majority Black school with limited resources, is now one of the most diverse schools in the district. Principal Michael Atkins highlighted the importance of the Keyes case in shaping conversations around educational equity in Denver.
A celebration of life ceremony for Lylaus Keyes will be held on October 19 at 1 p.m. at Shorter AME Church, where she was beloved by her church community.
Lylaus Keyes’ relentless fight for educational equality has left a lasting impact on Denver’s public education system. While challenges and disparities still exist, her legacy inspires continued efforts toward achieving a truly equitable education for all students.
