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14th Amendment
This amendment to the US Constitution granted citizenship to people born in the U.S. This opened the door for many formerly enslaved people as they were supposed to be guaranteed equal protection under the law. -
Brown v. Board
This landmark case declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, sparking the Civil Rights Movement. It cited the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, guaranteeing equal opportunities for education. -
Engle v. Vitale
Citing the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, this case prohibited school-sponsored prayer. It upheld the separation of church and state in public education. -
Civil Rights Act
This landmark legislation outlawed discrimination in education based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It further supported school desegregation efforts. -
Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg
This case upheld efforts to desegregate schools by allowing busing of students to achieve racial integration. It faced criticism but remains a monumental step towards equal educational access -
Serrano v. Priest
A California Supreme Court case finding unequal funding for public schools. It sparked nationwide movements for equitable school funding, crucial for equal educational opportunities -
Plyer V Doe
This case guaranteed undocumented children the right to attend public schools. It ensured education is not reliant on someone's immigration status -
Board of Education v. Rowley
This case defined rights for disabled students under IDEA. It guaranteed them a "meaningful educational benefit" but not necessarily their preferred methods -
Washington v. Seattle School District
While not overturning Swann, this case limited the sole use of race in assigning students. It reflected the court's evolving approach, seeking alternative methods for desegregation -
No Child Left Behind
This federal act focused on standardized testing and accountability in schools. While it was aiming to improve student achievement, it did face some criticism for narrowing some educational goals.