In June 2015, the Colorado Supreme Court struck down a successful voucher program in Douglas County, invoking a provision of the state constitution that harks back to an era of widespread prejudice against Catholics. But because of the court's reliance on this discriminatory provision, its decision could well be overturned by the U.S. Supreme…

In "Fumarolo v. Chicago Board of Education," the Illinois Supreme Court invalidated the Chicago School Reform Act because it violated the one-person, one-vote principle when several school administrators were summarily deprived of tenure by parent-dominated school councils. However, due process concerns for the deposed administrators…

In 1972, the Maryland Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) became law in that state. The amendment provides that "Equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged or denied because of sex." This document surveys the legislative reforms that have been enacted to implement the ERA in the 12 years following the law's ratification. It also…

This paper reviews State constitutions and State laws providing for race equity in education. Results of a comprehensive survey of constitutions and statutes reveal a substantial State commitment to the goal of education equity. Constitutional provisions in an overwhelming number of States mirror the requirements of the Federal equal protection…

Reproduced here are the text of the 1982 Supreme Court decision "Plyler v. Doe" and its companion cases, "In Re Alien Children Litigation." An introductory statement explains that in this opinion the Court struck down a Texas law prohibiting tuition-free education for children of illegal aliens, on the grounds that education…

The obligations of colleges and universities under existing laws prohibiting sex discrimination are discussed. Attention is directed to developments in the law relating to sex discrimination against employees and against students in colleges and universities, and practical and cost-efficient strategies for complying with the law. The pertinent…

Discusses the origins, progress, and eventual enjoinment of the proposed Colorado Amendment 2, which would have repealed local equal protection for homosexuals. Provides excerpts from three Colorado Supreme Court decisions related to the proposed amendment. Includes a time line for the issue, ranging from 1977-92. (CFR)

This paper examines the federal and state constitutional and statutory issues that affect the capacity of governments to raise revenue for education and other children's services, including mandates and key legislation that limit revenues, expenditures, and borrowing. The paper is divided into three major sections: (1) legal issues affecting…

Over 70 recommendations are contained in this report submitted to the Joint Committee on Vocational Education by Steiger, Fink, and Kosecoff, Inc. This outside agency received a contract in December, 1978, to: (1) evaluate activities and services provided by the State Department of Education and the Chancellor's Office of the California Community…