Timeline of Landmark Legislation

  • Common School Movement

    The Wig party pushed for more government involvement in organized education for all children, rich or poor. Organizations start to recieve federal funding for public schooling.
  • Plessy v. Ferguson

    The Supreme Court ruled "separate but equal", legalizing racial segreation, especially in public schools.
  • Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka

    Segrated schools are deemed "inherently unequal".
  • Little Rock

    Court orders integration of public schools in Little Rock, Arkansas. A direct conflict between the state and federal government over pride rather than desegregation.
  • Title IX

    Civil Rights law in U.S. Education Amendment of 1972 which prohibits discrinimation in education and financial assistance
  • Education of all Handicapped Childrens Act

    Protects the rights of students with disabilities, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  • Plyler v Doe

    Supreme Court ruled it unlawful for Texas to withhold school funds for undocumented children.
  • Force v. Pierce City R-VI School District

    The District Court found it violated 14th Amendment rights to discriminate against athletes based on sexual orientation.
  • Propition 187

    In California, Proposition 187 passes, banning undocumented children from attending public school. Federal courts deem it unconstitutional however this led to a national rise against immigration.
  • Forest Grove School District v. T.A.

    Court ruled that reimbursement for private school is acceptable if the private school could not make appropriate accommodations.