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The Civil Rights Act
The civil rights act was signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson and banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It prohibited racial segregation in schools. This act allowed children and students from varying cultures, races, and ethnicities to learn together. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Lyndon B. Johnson passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act into law in order to support his “War on Poverty.” The act provided federal funds for elementary and secondary education, primarily helping low-income students. It emphasized equal access to education providing each student with a fair and equal opportunity to have an exceptional education. Education programs like Title I and bilingual education resulted after this act was passed. -
The Immigration Act of 1965
Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Immigration Act of 1965, also referred to as the Hart-Cellar Act. This act ended the National Origins Formula, removing racial and national barriers. The act significantly altered the demographics of the United States making classrooms more diverse. -
Diana v. California State Board
The case of Diana v. California State Board of Education resulted in new laws for children with native or primary languages other than English. Students who were being tested for special education placement would be tested in their native or primary languages in order to allow them to fully comprehend the materials. This prepared the way for all students to be tested without language or other cultural barriers. -
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Title IX was a section of the Education Amendments of 1972 and became effective June 23, 1972. This title prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex with regards to participation in education programs. This title allowed girls and women an equal opportunity at an exceptional education in the United States. -
The Rehabilitation Act, Section 504
The Rehabilitation Act became effective on September 26, 1973 and included Section 504 which guaranteed civil rights for students with disabilities. It required accommodations be made in schools to allow students to participate in programs and activities as well as safe access to the school building and classrooms. This act and specific section created opportunities for students with disabilities to be integrated with the general population of the school. -
The Equal Educational Opportunities Act
The Equal Educational Opportunities Act prohibited discrimination against teachers, staff, and students, especially racial segregation of students. It required schools to take action in overcoming barriers to promote students’ equal participation. This act has been very important in protecting the rights of students and individuals with limited English proficiency. This act provided a safe place for students from different cultural backgrounds to learn and be educated. -
Universal Preschool in Georgia
In 1995, Georgia became the first state to provide universal preschool to every four year old whose parents allowed them to attend school. More than 50% of the state’s four year olds enrolled. This event allowed children from varying circumstances to come together in classrooms. Children with different cultural backgrounds were being taught together. -
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act was a stimulus package that provided more than $90 billion for education. A majority of the funds were used to prevent layoffs as well as to modernize the schools and repair them. Other programs were designed such as the Race to the Top initiative which induced reform in K-12 education. This act provided the funds to reform many different educational programs and environments in order to make them more conducive for multicultural education. -
Minnesota's Formal Transgender Student Policy
On December 4, 2014, the Minnesota State High School League voted in order to adopt a formal transgender student policy. The policy allowed transgender students the opportunity to join female sports teams. This action was part of a movement to create equal opportunities for students who identified as transgender.
