This passage is from the court's majority in the plessy v. ferguson decision in 1896:

we consider the underlying [error] of the plaintiff's argument to consist in the assumption that the enforced separation of the two races stamps the colored race with a badge of inferiority. if this be so, it is not by reason of anything found in the act, but solely because the colored race chooses to put that construction upon it.

based on this passage, what was the court's opinion about segregation in the united states?

it was permitted as long as both races agreed that facilities were of equal quality.

it was allowed as long as the facilities provided to both races were equal.

it was illegal because it stripped black citizens of their natural rights.

it was damaging because it labeled the black race as inferior.