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Intro
The Boston Latin School, established in 1635, holds the distinction of being the first public school in America. It set a precedent for public education in the United States, emphasizing the importance of accessible education for all. This historic institution has played a significant role in shaping the educational landscape of the country. -
Old Deluder Satan Act
The Massachusetts Bay Colony Law of 1647, also known as the Old Deluder Satan Act, was an important piece of legislation that required towns to establish schools. This law aimed to ensure that children could read and understand the scriptures, thereby preventing ignorance and the influence of Satan. -
Bill for the More General Diffusion of knowledge
Thomas Jefferson proposed a two-track educational system in 1779, which aimed to provide different educational paths for those who would enter labor-intensive jobs and those who would pursue more academic or learned professions. This idea was part of his broader vision for public education. -
Horace Mann
Horace Mann became the Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education in 1837 and was a strong advocate for public schooling. His efforts played a crucial role in shaping the modern public education system in the United States. -
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. -
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.