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Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975)
This act ensured free appropriate public education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities, which includes individualized education programs (IEPs) and instruction in the least restrictive environment -
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978)
The Supreme Court ruled that race can be considered in college admissions, but racial quotas are unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment. The 5-4 decision allows affirmative action to promote diversity without reserving fixed seats for minority applicants, leading to more nuanced approaches in higher education. -
The Atlanta Child Murders (1979–1981)
From 1979 to 1981, about 29 African-American children were abducted and killed, drawing national attention to the racial and socioeconomic inequalities in urban America. -
War on Drugs
The epidemic prompted the federal government to implement aggressive anti-drug measures, culminating in the "War on Drugs. This disparity disproportionately impacted African Americans, leading to mass incarceration and social mobility. -
Rodney King Beating
Rodney King, an African American man, was brutally beaten with police batons as officers allegedly tried to get him to comply with their orders to lay down. Two of the officers were found guilty of violating King's civil rights, leading to prison sentences. -
L.A. Riots
After four officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King, riots erupted in L.A., revealing deep racial tensions and prompting national discussions on policing and systemic racism. -
Proposition 187
On November 9, 1994, California voters approved Proposition 187, also known as the Save Our State referendum, which aimed to limit access to public services for undocumented immigrants. This measure restricted their eligibility for public education and healthcare. The passage of Proposition 187 sparked widespread protests and significantly increased political engagement among Latino communities. -
Columbine High School Shooting
A tragic school shooting resulted in the deaths of 12 students and a teacher, with more than 20 others injured. This heartbreaking incident sparked national discussions about issues such as school safety, bullying, mental health, and gun laws in education.