SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell issued the following statement today:

"Rosa Parks was a civil rights pioneer. Her courage, put into action, changed our nation for the better. Her challenge to the unfair status quo led to recognition that we are all created equal, and are all entitled to equal protection under the law.

"Her legacy includes the landmark Brown v. Board decision that ended segregation in schools just over 50 years ago, and her memory continues to inspire us today.

"With the death of Rosa Parks, our nation lost a hero, but we are left with a stronger America because of the way she lived her life."