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The case of Engele v. Vitale
This was a landmark Supreme Court case which asserted that state officials could not constitutionally compose an official prayer that is to be recited in public schools. This is a pivotal event in relation to multicultural education because it signifies that not all cultures and people have the same religious beliefs. Therefore, instituting a law that forces prayer on all people is unconstitutional, and this case highlighted that assertion. -
Civil Rights Act
In 1964 the Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This was an incredibly vital event because this law outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Therefore, racial segregation in schools were essentially illegal and this is a huge step in the progression of multicultural education within our country. -
Title IX of The Education Amendments
In 1972 Title IX of the Education Amendments was signed into law by the President. This law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. Multiculturalism is much more than just race and ethnicity, therefore this law was extremely important because it protects peoples rights despite their sex. -
Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974
In 1974 the Equal Educational Opportunities Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon. This law made discrimination against aculty, staff, and students illegal, and this included racial segregation. As schools were becoming more culturally diverse at this time, this law was increasingly pivotal, as it denoted that all students should be afforded the same opportunities despite their background. -
The Case of Plyler v. Doe
In 1982 the United States Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional to base a students eligibility for a free public education based on their immigration status. In regards to multicultural education this is exceptionally important as it allows a fair opportunity for all students regardless of their background. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Education of Handicapped Children Act (1975) was renamed to The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990. This act essentially supports students and children with disabilities by supporting special education and programs for these kids. Inclusivity of children with disabilities is a massive part of multicultural education. -
Improving America's Schools Act of 1994
In 1994 President Clinton signed the Improving America's Schools Act in the gymnasium of Framingham High School. This act played a major role in education reform and worked to assist disadvantaged students by holding schools accountable to the success of the students at the same level as other students. -
Chicago Schools Closing
The Chicago Board of Education voted to close 50 schools on May 22, 2013, making this the largest mass closing in the United States history. The teachers of the Chicago schools voiced their oppositions against this decision as they believed the closures negatively affected low income and minority students in particular. -
Gender Identity in School Bathrooms
In 2016 school districts are told by the federal government that transgender students should be permitted to use the restroom that matches their gender identity. Despite this not necessarily being a law, it is still enforced as schools who do not comply can face lawsuits and charges. -
Betsy Devos Secretary of Education
In 2016, President-elect, Donald Trump named Betsy Devos as Secretary of Education. This controversial decision caused a lot of uncertainty for lower income schools as well as schools with high minority student numbers.
