History of Multicultural Education

By brepeoples

  • Ruby Bridges attends William Frantz Elementary School

    Ruby Bridges becomes the first African American to attend her elementary school in New Orleans as a first grader. Other parents pulled their children out of school leaving Ruby in a class of one. She faced a lot of discrimination including angry mobs at the entrance of the school - the U.S. marshalls had to be called to escort her.

  • The Civil Rights Act

    In 1964 the Civil Rights Act was passed prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. This allowed people of color and other marginalized groups the opportunity to pursue a better education.

  • The Immigration Act of 1965

    Lyndon Johnson signed the Immigration Act of 1965 which allowed for many more Latin American people to come to the United States. This increased the diversity of classrooms in America.

  • Title IX of the Education Amendments

    In 1972 Title IX became law which specifically prohibits discrimination based on sex in education. This is impactful because while the Civil Rights Act was already passed, it was still acceptable to hold women back from pursuing education.

  • Equal Education Opportunities Act

    The Equal Education Opportunities Act was passed prohibiting discrimination and requiring schools to actively combat anything that would prevent equal protection. It was especially important to students who were English Language Learners.

  • Education of all Handicapped Children Act

    The Education of all Handicapped Children Act became law and required that schools provide education for students with special needs. It specified that they must receive​ free and appropriate education in the least restrictive setting possible.

  • Wallace V. Jaffree

    In the case of Wallace V. Jaffree the Supreme Court ruled that Alabama's laws allowing for silent prayer and teacher-led voluntary prayer in public were​ unconstitutional. They decided that it violated the First Amendment.

  • The Higher Education Act

    The Higher Education Act is amended and reauthorized. It expanded access to higher education for low and middle-income​ students by increasing aid and accountability.

  • Barack Obama becomes President

    In 2008 Barack Obama became the first (half) African American President of the United States. Changes to the No Child Left Behind Act are adopted.
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    Walkouts and Teacher Strikes

    In 2018 we have seen an increase in walkouts in support of gun reform to prevent school shootings as well as teacher strikes in favor of raising teacher wages across the nation. This shows the increased civic responsibility of educators and students alike to improve the education in the U.S.