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Harvard University is Established
Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning, is established by the vote of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This is the origin point for the level of higher education that we hold to standard today. Although it would be some time before women or people of color could attend, it laid the foundation for all other colleges and universities in the country. -
The First Publicly Support Library is Opened
Libraries have been the pillar of public education for many years. It's where hours of researching, studying, collaborating and discovering are spent for students and scholars of all ages, genders, cultures, and ethnicities. Without the approval of this crucial program, individuals across the country would not have access to the variety and volume of learning materials available today. -
The Ursuline Academy of New Orleans is Established
A more diverse school, the Ursuline Academy is an all-girl Catholic school, the oldest continuously-operating school of its kind in the United States. It's establishment made possible the education of students of a specific religion and gender. -
The Connecticut Asylum at Hartford for the Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons is Established
This school, the first permanent school of its kind, allowed for the education of disabled learners. This is an important development in multicultural history because it encourages the education of diverse students through publicly funded means. -
The University of Iowa Admits Men and Women
The first institute of higher learning to do so, the University of Iowa opens with enrollment available to male and female students on an equal basis. This is a huge step for gender equal education, and I have the University of Iowa to thank for the fact that I can attend college today. -
Howard University is Established
Still one of the most-attended ethnic-specific schools, Howard University is a cornerstone in African American educational history. Over the years, this educational and cultural encouragement of black students has been influential in multicultural history. -
The Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls is Established
Located in Daytona Beach, FL, and now called Bethane-Cookman University, this learning institution has undergone many changes over the years. Established first as an all-girl black school, then merging with the Cookman Institute in 1923 and becoming coed, then becoming an approved 4-year college in 1941, this school is a prime example of growth and multicultural development. -
All U.S. States Enacted Laws Regarding Funding for School Transportation
While this may not seem related to multicultural education, transportation is actually a huge part of education. Students from rural area, students with disabilities, students who cannot afford to travel, or whose parents are not able to take them to school due to work or other circumstances, are not guaranteed an education. Multicultural awareness is centered on making all types of learning available to all types of people. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This monumental set of Supreme Court cases has set the tone for diversity in schools. It recognized that "separate but equal" was inherently unequal. -
The Education of All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142) Becomes Federal Law
Shockingly recent, this law requires that all states provide a quality education to all students with disabilities. This law is foundational to all other programs proceeding it, such as the IEP, 504 Plan, etc.
