I had the unique and deeply moving experience of touring the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library with dear school nurse colleagues/friends. We were in Austin for the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) annual conference. What we found wasn’t just a museum—it was a powerful call to action.
LBJ believed that government could be a force for good. His vision of the The Great Society was bold, unapologetically progressive, and centered on equity, opportunity, and justice. These were not just lofty ideals—they were the foundation for programs that lifted millions out of poverty, dismantled barriers of discrimination, and opened doors to education, healthcare, and civic participation.
Walking through the exhibits, I felt awe and grief. Awe for the scale and compassion of Johnson’s agenda. Grief because so many of these hard-won gains are now under attack.
The LBJ Library makes one truth undeniable: every step forward can be reversed, and every generation must rise to defend the progress it inherits. It’s not just about remembering what was done, but reckoning with what is being undone.
The Great Society wasn’t just legislation. It was a promise: that America could—and should—care for all her people. That promise is now in jeopardy.
What’s at Stake: The Great Society, Then and Now
The scope of LBJ’s achievements is almost impossible to overstate. They continue to shape the lives of millions. But today’s headlines reveal a dangerous unraveling of that legacy.
Medicare and Medicaid (1965)
Transformed health care access for the elderly, low-income families, children, and people with disabilities. These programs dramatically reduced poverty and expanded care.
Under Attack: Budget cuts, work requirements, and eligibility restrictions now threaten these lifelines.
More on Medicare & Medicaid – LBJ Library
Civil Rights Legislation
The Civil Rights Act (1964), Voting Rights Act (1965), and Fair Housing Act (1968) dismantled legal segregation and challenged racial injustice head-on.
Under Attack: Modern assaults on voting access, affirmative action, and DEI initiatives threaten decades of progress.
Civil Rights Act – National Archives
Education Reform
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA, 1965) directed federal funding to schools serving low-income communities. This includes Head Start, a lifeline for generations of children and families. The Higher Education Act opened doors to college for millions.
Under Attack: Chronic underfunding of public education, weakened federal standards, and threats to college access are widening opportunity gaps.
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (1965)
Public Broadcasting (1967)
The Public Broadcasting Act established PBS and NPR, giving the public access to non-commercial, educational programming.
Under Attack: Ongoing efforts to defund public media jeopardize trusted, independent information sources.
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Immigration Reform
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished racist quotas and welcomed immigrants based on skills and family reunification.
Under Attack: Harsh restrictions, xenophobic rhetoric, and legal rollbacks threaten this inclusive vision.
Immigration Reform – LBJ Library
Progress Demands Protection
The LBJ Library tells the story of what government can do when rooted in compassion and justice. Policies demand protection. Children and our most vulnerable Americans need fierce, unwavering advocacy. Progress is never permanent; it is safeguarded by those who refuse to look away. The pages of history are written not just by presidents, but by people who show up, speak out, and push back when justice is under threat. The work is ours—now, and always. Please don’t look away…
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