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Formation of Schools
The Boston Latin School, the first public school in America, is established. -
Landmark Cases
Plessy v. Ferguson
This Supreme Court case upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine. It involved Homer Plessy, who was arrested for sitting in a "whites-only" train car. The decision entrenched segregation and impacted African Americans by legally justifying separate facilities. -
Additional Landmark Cases
Mendez v. Westminster:**
This case challenged racial segregation in Orange County, California schools. The court ruled that Mexican-American children could not be segregated into separate schools, paving the way for the Brown v. Board of Education decision. -
Brown v. Board of Education, Topeka
This landmark case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, ruling that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. It involved Oliver Brown and other plaintiffs who challenged the segregation laws. This decision was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement and paved the way for desegregation. -
Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District
This case involved students wearing black armbands to protest the Vietnam War. The Supreme Court ruled that students do not lose their First Amendment rights at school, impacting students' freedom of expression. -
Title IX
This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or education program receiving federal funding. It was part of the Education Amendments of 1972 and has significantly impacted female students by ensuring equal opportunities in athletics, academics, and other educational activities. -
Lau v. Nichols
Lau v. Nichols
This case addressed the rights of non-English-speaking students. The Supreme Court ruled that the San Francisco school district violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by not providing English language instruction to Chinese students, ensuring language support for non-English-speaking students. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This act, later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), required public schools to provide equal access to education for children with disabilities. It guaranteed special education services and individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, significantly impacting their educational experiences. -
Plyler v. Doe
The Supreme Court ruled that states cannot deny free public education to children based on their immigration status. It involved a class-action lawsuit against Texas laws that withheld funds for educating children of undocumented immigrants. The decision ensured that all children, regardless of immigration status, have access to education.