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first public high school in the U.S.
In 1821, Boston started the first public high school in the U.S. It involved Samuel Adams Wells, who chaired the school committee that established the school, and George B. Emerson, an early leader in educational reform. It affected working-class boys who didn't plan to attend college. It impacted negativity by only allowing boys when established until 1972 allowing girls to become coeducational. -
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Congress makes it illegal for Native Americans to be taught in their language. The children were taken and sent to off-reservation boarding schools to "kill the Indian to save the man". It involved Native American families and the congress. This affected Native families to be separated from their homes. This had a negative impact on them because the government was trying to get rid of who they were. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
Allowed equal but separate arrangements for white and colored races. It involved African Americans throughout the 20th century. It affected colored and whites mandating separate but equal public accommodations. It had a negative impact as it provided the foundation of segregation. -
Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka
The case ruled that separating children in public schools based on race was unconstitutional. This involved students and teachers of color wanting equal and not segregated education. This affected students and teachers to learn and teach together in school. This negatively impacted black educators as they were fired or demoted due to white superintendents. -
Title IX
A law that prohibits discrimination based on gender in educational programs. It was signed by President Nixon in 1972 as part of the Education Amendments. It affected students by ensuring equal opportunity in education. It has had "a decrease in the number of female coaches, high rates of sexual abuse of female athletes, and the elimination of successful men's programs" (Vanderbilt University). -
Education of all Handicapped Children Act
In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. the people involved were President Ford, Senator Harrison Williams who was the sponsor of the EHA, and disability activists Patrisha Wright and Evan Kemp. This law affected many children with disabilities and teachers. it increased access to education allowing children with disabilities to attend school. There have been negative impacts though including unnecessary segregation and students not receiving IEPs. -
Plyler v. Doe
This landmark held that states cannot constitutionally deny students a free public education because of their immigration status. The case involved a group of parents who didn't have legal immigration status. The case affected children's rights to attend school despite their legal status. One challenge that was faced was the lack to provide resources. -
California Proposition 209
California outlaws affirmative action in public employment, contracting, and education. It involved Ward Connerly who led the campaign, Gail Heriot, and Darrel Issa who co-chaired the campaign. Black and Hispanic students were affected as applicants to the University of California. It had a negative impact on them by lowering graduation rates.